As a result of the Russian attack, the Chernobyl nuclear power plant completely lost its external power supply, and the power lines that supply power to other nuclear power plants in Ukraine were also damaged. This was reported by the International Atomic Energy Agency.
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi said that on the morning of January 20, several Ukrainian electrical substations, which play a critical role in ensuring nuclear safety, were damaged as a result of large-scale military activity.
“The IAEA is actively monitoring the development of events to assess the impact on nuclear safety,” he stressed.
The situation around the Chernobyl nuclear power plant is causing particular concern amid warnings about the possible consequences of direct strikes. Earlier, the director of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, Sergei Tarakanov, noted that a Russian missile or drone could destroy the plant’s internal radiation shelter.
“If a missile or drone hits it directly or even falls somewhere nearby, for example, an Iskander, God forbid, it will cause a mini-earthquake in the area. No one can guarantee that the protective structure will remain in place after that. This is the main threat,” he explained.
The IAEA continues to monitor the situation and analyze potential risks to nuclear and radiation safety against the backdrop of ongoing hostilities.
