International Observers Confirm Absence of Mining in Zaporizhia Nuclear Power Plant

No Mines Found in Zaporizhia Nuclear Power Plant

Kyiv and Moscow suspect each other of planning an attack on the Zaporizhia Nuclear Power Plant. However, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has not found any evidence of Russia, as suspected by Ukraine, mining the facility.

International Observers Find No Evidence of Mining in Zaporizhia Nuclear Power Plant

International observers stationed at the Zaporizhia Nuclear Power Plant, which is currently occupied by Russia, have found no signs of mining by the occupiers. The team from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), permanently stationed at the plant, has not yet been granted access to certain areas of the facility, according to IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi. The report stated that parts of the turbine halls and cooling system still need to be inspected.

Grossi: "Taking all reports very seriously"

Last week, the Ukrainian military intelligence agency, the SBU, stated that Russia had mined the nuclear power plant and was planning a terrorist attack there. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also warned of such an attack. Moscow denies these accusations and claims, in turn, that Ukraine is planning an attack to trigger a nuclear disaster.

"We take all these reports very seriously," emphasized Grossi regarding Ukraine's allegations. The IAEA is aware that mines have been placed in the vicinity of the nuclear power plant and in certain locations within the facility in the past. Grossi did not disclose the specific information available to the IAEA on this matter.

Selenskyj: Counteroffensive Making Progress

Meanwhile, Selenskyj praised the strength of the Ukrainian armed forces. "Ukraine and Ukrainians are much stronger than anyone expected from us, sometimes stronger than we ourselves thought," Selenskyj said in his evening video message. The country has demonstrated its strength to the world in the fight against the Russian invaders.

Selenskyj reiterated that Ukraine's counteroffensive is making progress. "We have made progress in all directions with our active actions." Strengthening the artillery in the south and east is "clearly a priority," Selenskyj said. He also expressed gratitude to Denmark for a new defense package, including artillery, anti-aircraft missiles, and mine clearance equipment, in his speech.