As the clash between Russia and Ukraine intensifies, the head of the United Nations nuclear watchdog has issued a stark warning about the growing threat of a nuclear crisis in Russia’s Kursk region. Rafael Grossi, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), called for “maximum restraint” from both sides in the face of what could simply be a catastrophic nuclear accident.
On Friday, Russia announced the deployment of more troops and military apparatus in the Kursk region, where Ukrainian forces introduced a rare and competitive ground attack. The incursion represents one of the most significant escalations in the war, which has been largely confined to Ukrainian territory for more than two years. The scenario has raised concerns abroad, with the possibility of serious radiological consequences if the confrontation spreads to the vicinity of the Kursk nuclear power plant.
“I would like to call on all parties to exercise maximum restraint to avoid a nuclear turnaround that could have serious radiological consequences,” Grossi said in a statement released through the IAEA. He was under pressure because the company was intensively following reports of military activities near the nuclear facility and was in constant communication with the relevant governments in Russia and Ukraine.
The Kursk Nuclear Power Plant, one of the largest nuclear power plants in Russia, operates six reactors, two of which are recently closed and another two are under construction. The remaining two sets are fully operational. The proximity of fighting to such critical infrastructure has larger plant safety and security considerations.
Grossi’s caution comes amid reports that missile fragments, most likely from downed Ukrainian drones, have been found near the Kursk factory. Although there is no evidence that the facility itself was directly targeted, the discovery further fueled fears of an accidental nuclear incident.
In reaction to the Ukrainian offensive, Russia has implemented extensive anti-terrorism measures in the Kursk, Bryansk, and Belgorod regions. The measures, announced Saturday through Moscow’s anti-terrorism committee, give sweeping powers to security services, adding the ability to relocate residents. communications and impose curfews. Russia’s national nuclear power company, Rosatom, said the Kursk plant was operating normally despite military activity in the vicinity.
The clash has already claimed many victims and sparked intense fighting in the Kursk region. According to the American Institute for the Study of War, Ukrainian troops have moved up to 35 kilometers (21 miles) into Russian territory. However, reports recommend that the domain is not yet complete and the scenario remains fluid.
The Ukrainian raid on Kursk marks a significant change in the dynamics of the war. Until now, the Ukrainian military’s operations have focused primarily on protecting its own territory. This new offensive, deep on Russian soil, appears to be an attempt to gain leverage in long-term negotiations and demonstrate Ukraine’s continued military capabilities despite a protracted conflict.
The foreign reaction to this escalation was swift. The United States, Ukraine’s key best friend, announced another $125 million in military aid on Friday. The package includes Stinger missiles, HIMARS, anti-tank guns and other devices considered important for the defense of Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his gratitude to President Joe Biden and the American people, emphasizing the importance of the United States continuing to fight against Russian aggression.
In a similar vein, Grossi also warned on Thursday about the vulnerability of the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) in Ukraine. Fires in the vicinity of the PPNZ have threatened the reliability of its external power source, which is critical to maintaining nuclear protection, even though the reactors have recently been shut down. ” The reliability of the external force source remains a major threat to the nuclear safety and security of the ZNPP, and measures will have to be taken to protect those remaining lines,” Grossi said.
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