IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi visited the Kursk nuclear power station in Russia following accusations from Moscow of a drone attack by Ukraine. The Russian government claimed that the attack was an act of “nuclear terrorism.” The IAEA was informed that the remains of a drone were found near the nuclear plant, raising concerns about nuclear safety and security.
The Kursk nuclear power station, located near the Ukrainian border, has four Soviet RBMK-1000 reactors, similar to those at the Chernobyl plant. The IAEA is assessing the site to evaluate safety conditions. Meanwhile, fighting in the Kursk region has intensified, with Ukrainian forces gaining territory.
Ukraine and Russia have significant nuclear capabilities, with Ukraine relying heavily on nuclear power for electricity generation. Zaporizhzhia NPP, Ukraine’s largest nuclear facility, has been a point of concern since being captured by Russian forces. Russia, on the other hand, relies more on gas for electricity production.
As the conflict continues to escalate, the safety and security of nuclear sites in both countries remain a top priority. The IAEA has staff monitoring Ukraine’s nuclear sites, while Grossi’s visit to the Kursk plant aims to assess the situation independently. The ongoing war has raised concerns about the impact on energy supplies, particularly gas exports from Russia to Europe.
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