The United Nations atomic watchdog warned of a potential threat to nuclear safety as fighting is believed to be spiking in the area surrounding the Russian occupied Zaporizhzhia power plant.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said its experts deployed at the plant have reported hearing numerous explosions over the past week.
These reports may be indicating an uptick of military activity in the region as Ukraine’s troops continue to push forward towards the Russian lines of defence as part of the counteroffensive.
No damage has been detected at the plant, the IAEA said.
But its director general, Rafael Mariano Grossi, didn’t hide his concerns.
He said: “I remain deeply concerned about the possible dangers facing the plant at this time of heightened military tension in the region.”
He noted that the IAEA team was informed that staff at the nuclear power plant had been reduced temporarily to minimum levels due to concerns of more military activity in the area.
Mr Grossi added: “Whatever happens in a conflict zone, wherever it may be, everybody would stand to lose from a nuclear accident, and I urge that all necessary precautions must be taken to avoid it happening.”
READ MORE: Ukraine’s stark counteroffensive warning as Zelensky hits out at arms shipments
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