IAEA reports on the critical situation at ZNPP

According to the Agency, the safety level at ZNPP remains extremely low: six out of seven key nuclear safety principles have been violated.

"The situation with nuclear safety at the plant remains unstable, as six out of seven key principles of nuclear and radiation safety have been violated. Only one power line remains off-site, which poses serious safety risks. All six reactors are in a state of cold shutdown, and under current conditions none of them can be safely restarted," the IAEA chief said, speaking before a meeting of the Agency's Board of Governors.

Of particular concern is the water level in the cooling pool, which has dropped to 13.4 metres - just 1.4 metres above the critical threshold of 12 metres at which cooling systems cease to function.

"Measures to isolate the inlet channel have only a short-term effect, a long-term solution is needed - for example, the construction of a pumping station," the CEO added.

At the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, three of the seven basic safety principles are still violated after the February drone strike.

To avoid further disruption over the winter, temporary repairs are planned for the autumn - subject to approval and funding.

"At the Ukraine Recovery Conference held in Rome in early July, I signed a memorandum of understanding with Ukraine to support the identification, design, implementation and testing of necessary repairs at the NZU. These activities will be accompanied by safety assessment missions and technical support in close co-ordination with the Ukrainian authorities. The Agency has intensified monitoring and will conduct safety assessments as the work progresses.

The Khmelnytskyi, Rivne and South Ukrainian nuclear power plants continue to operate and supply electricity to the national grid. Agency staff at all of Ukraine's nuclear facilities regularly face air alerts.

Continued degradation of the electrical infrastructure, including key substations, increases the risk to the safe operation of nuclear plants, jeopardising compliance with the fourth principle of the seven nuclear safety pillars," the Director General emphasised.

Despite the threats, the agency is actively supplying Ukraine with necessary equipment. More than 150 shipments worth over €19.4 million have already been delivered, including dosimetry, PCR equipment and personal protective equipment. Additional assistance is required: there is a shortfall of another €22 million until the end of 2026 for the full operation of the programme.

At the same time, Energoatom emphasises: Zaporizhzhya NPP must be demilitarised as soon as possible and fully liberated from the occupants, and returned under the full control of Ukraine and its legitimate operator, NAEK Energoatom JSC.