UN warns of nuclear risk at Kursk plant amid drone strikes
- The IAEA has expressed concerns about the safety of the Kursk nuclear power plant amid military actions in the region.
- Director General Rafael Grossi noted the reactor's vulnerability due to the absence of a protective dome and observed signs of drone strikes during his visit.
- Grossi emphasized the need for vigilance to prevent a nuclear accident, highlighting the serious implications of military operations near nuclear facilities.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has raised alarms regarding the nuclear reactor at the Kursk power plant in Russia, which is currently at risk due to military actions nearby. During a visit to the site, IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi observed evidence of drone strikes and noted that the reactor lacks a protective dome, making it particularly vulnerable to attacks. He emphasized that the reactor's core is only shielded by a standard roof, heightening the risk of a nuclear incident. Despite the ongoing conflict, Grossi reported that the plant is operating under near-normal conditions, but he stressed the importance of ensuring safety to prevent any nuclear accidents. The situation is exacerbated by the ongoing war, which has seen increased military activity and threats to nuclear facilities, reminiscent of the dangers posed during the Chernobyl disaster in the 1980s. The IAEA remains neutral in the conflict, focusing solely on nuclear safety and the potential risks posed by military operations in close proximity to nuclear sites.