UN issues horror nuclear accident warning as Russia evacuates thousands amid fighting

Tyler Mitchell By Tyler Mitchell Aug11,2024

Russia and Ukraine have been urged to use “maximum restraint” by the head of the nuclear safety watchdog as fighting continues in Russia‘s Kursk region.

The warning comes as images show huge fires burning in Russia‘s Kursk region as Ukraine‘s assault there entered its sixth day.

Ukraine‘s surprise attack on its larger neighbour, whose invasion it has been trying to repel since 2022, has sparked fears of a wider conflict – with suspected Ukrainian drones also reportedly shot down over Belarus on Friday night in an incident the Putin-ally described as a ‘provocation’.

Responding to the incursion, Moscow has announced a “counter-terrorism operation” in the Kursk region and the nearby areas of Bryansk and Belgorod – the latter of which saw unverified footage of Ukrainian troops posing in a village on Saturday morning.

The fighting in the Kursk region, which the Russian Defence Ministry said had also seen Kremlin forces deploy airstrikes and a thermobaric bomb that both causes a blast wave and creates a vacuum that suffocates its targets, has sparked concerns about potential damage to the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant.

It is not the first time the ongoing war has seen fears raised about damage to a nuclear power plant, with the Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant near Ukraine – currently in Russian hands – being a source of concern

Rafel Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said he was concerned with reports of “military activity” near the Kursk site, which has two fully operation reactors along with two that are in shutdown and a further two under construction.

He said: “In view of the reportedly significant military activity, I wish to remind all parties of the seven indispensable pillars for ensuring nuclear safety and security during an armed conflict.

“Additionally, I emphasise the five concrete principles to help to ensure nuclear safety and security which have been established for the Zaporizhzhya NPP in the context of the current conflict between the Russian Federation and Ukraine, and which are equally applicable in this situation.

“These include, among others, the imperative to ensure the physical integrity of a nuclear power plant. This is valid irrespective of where an NPP is situated.

“At this juncture, I would like to appeal to all sides to exercise maximum restraint in order to avoid a nuclear accident with the potential for serious radiological consequences. I am personally in contact with the relevant authorities of both countries and will continue to be seized of the matter. I will continue to update the international community as appropriate.”

A Russian Emergencies Ministry spokesperson said around 76,000 people had been evacuated from the area, and that the Kremlin had sent reinforcements to the area. Last night in the city of Kursk, a missile reportedly hit a 13-storey apartment bloc sparking a huge blaze.

Rocket launchers, tanks and artillery have been moved into the region amidst reports of fighting on the outskirts of Sudzha, a town around six miles from the Ukrainian border that is considered a key transit hub for Russia‘s natural gas exports to Europe.

Ukraine has so far declined to comment on the incursion into Russia, and the overall objective remains unclear.

Tyler Mitchell

By Tyler Mitchell

Tyler is a renowned journalist with years of experience covering a wide range of topics including politics, entertainment, and technology. His insightful analysis and compelling storytelling have made him a trusted source for breaking news and expert commentary.

Related Post