IAEA Chief Urges Nuclear Safety Amid Rising Tensions at Kursk Power Plant

On August 27, Rafael Grossi, the Director General of the IAEA, visited the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant in Russia amid rising tensions due to military operations in the region. During his visit, Grossi assessed the risks posed by drone attacks on the plant, which operates RBMK reactors similar to those at Chernobyl. He emphasized the 'extremely serious' nature of having a nuclear facility so close to the combat zones and called for adherence to five key safety principles to prevent military actions targeting nuclear sites. The IAEA is proposing technical measures to enhance nuclear safety and has agreed to respond immediately to any aggression against Russian-controlled nuclear facilities. This visit comes after Ukraine's armed forces attempted a drone attack on the Kursk plant, highlighting the ongoing risks of a nuclear accident in the region. Grossi's remarks underline the urgent need for restraint to avoid a potential catastrophe, while discussions continue about the implications of military actions near nuclear power facilities.