The head of the IAEA, Rafael Grossi, has raised concerns about the potential for a serious accident at the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant in western Russia due to its proximity to the ongoing conflict between Russian and Ukrainian forces. The plant lacks a protective dome that could shield it from missiles, drones, and artillery, making it vulnerable to impact. The RBMK-type facility, similar to the Chornobyl plant, does not have the typical protective structures found in modern nuclear power plants, making it particularly exposed.
Grossi’s visit to the plant was intended to draw attention to the dangerous situation and emphasize the importance of protecting nuclear facilities from attacks. Russian President Vladimir Putin accused Ukraine of attempting to attack the facility, but Ukraine has not responded to the accusations. Defence analyst Pavel Felgenhauer warned that continued attacks near the Kursk plant could change the course of the war, as Ukrainian forces could potentially expand their bridgehead into the neighboring region of Belgorod.
The situation at the Kursk plant is seen as precarious, with both Russian and Ukrainian forces vying for control in different regions. Control of strategic areas like Pokrovsk in the Donbas region could significantly impact the outcome of the conflict. Both sides are deploying reinforcements to strengthen their positions, as they recognize the importance of key locations in the ongoing conflict. The situation remains tense, with the potential for further escalations in the fighting.
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