Ukraine, which has faced major nuclear safety challenges due to the occupation of Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP), has taken a significant step towards ensuring long-term cooling of the shutdown reactors. According to the statement of Rafael Mariano Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), ten groundwater wells have been successfully drilled on the territory of the occupied ZNPP, which will provide cooling for the reactors.

According to Grossi, this achievement brings the plant closer to a long-term solution to the problem of providing water to cool the shutdown reactors, which arose after the destruction of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant in June.

More than 200 cubic meters of water can now be directed to the ponds that cool ZNPP's six reactors and spent nuclear fuel. These cooling ponds remain undamaged and contain a large volume of water, which, according to the IAEA, will ensure cooling of the shutdown reactors for a long period.

The day before, IAEA experts working at ZNPP warned of increased military activity in the region, which poses a potential threat to nuclear safety. Nevertheless, the radiation background at ZNPP remains normal.

Unfortunately, some problems remain relevant. In particular, the issue of staffing the plant remains open. Since the beginning of the armed conflict, a significant number of ZNPP employees have left their jobs, which creates difficulties for the safe operation of the largest nuclear facility in Europe.

Ukraine continues to make all possible efforts to ensure nuclear safety and resolve complex issues related to the safety and operation of ZNPP in the occupied territory.