IAEA experts record explosions near Khmelnytskyi NPP

IAEA experts monitoring the safety situation at nuclear power plants in Ukraine report that several explosions occurred near Khmelnytskyi NPP last night

This is stated in a report published on the website of the International Atomic Energy Agency.

"In western Ukraine, an IAEA team monitoring the situation at the Khmelnytskyi Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) reported hearing several explosions in close proximity, over a 20-minute period late last night while in their quarters," the agency said.

The plant was not directly damaged, but the incident showed that all Ukrainian nuclear power plants remain in danger as long as the war continues, said IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi.

“Much of the world’s attention – and rightly so – is focused on the very real dangers facing the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, which is of special concern as it is located on the frontline," Grossi said, referring to the fact that the plant is occupied by Russian troops.  “But last night’s event serves as a reminder that we must not forget about the other nuclear sites in Ukraine, which are also potentially exposed to missile and other attacks.”

According to the IAEA chief, all of Ukraine's nuclear facilities remain vulnerable, either directly due to possible missile hits or indirectly if their power supply is disrupted.