The IAEA reports explosions outside the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant

MADRID, 26 Ene. (EUROPA PRESS) -

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has warned this Thursday night of a series of "powerful explosions" outside the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant, in southern Ukraine and under Russian control.

The agency has acknowledged that "in recent days and weeks" explosions have been confirmed "at a certain distance from the nuclear power plant", although it is true that others have occurred at points "much closer to the facility".

In this sense, the IAEA has highlighted that up to eight "strong detonations" were detected early Wednesday morning, which even caused vibrations in the windows of the offices where experts from the agency work.

Thus, the general director of the IAEA, Rafael Grossi, has taken the opportunity to stress the "vital importance of agreeing on and implementing a nuclear security protection zone" around the Zaporizhia plant.

"A security zone would help protect the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant, making sure that it is not a target and is not used for attacks from the site," Grossi pointed out in regard to a measure that they already recommended months ago.

In fact, Grossi appeared before the European Parliament this week to thank the "strong support" received by the European powers in this regard, although he warned that "more is needed." "We can't stop," he assured.

At the beginning of September, an IAEA mission led by Grossi visited the nuclear power plant after which several IAEA employees stayed on site as international observers.

The Zaporizhia nuclear power plant, considered the largest in Europe, has been the scene of clashes between Ukrainian and Russian troops since the early stages of the war. In mid-October, Moscow claimed to have taken control of the facilities.