Russia forbids IAEA to inspect ZNPP reactor halls for first time

The IAEA said in a statement.

“Underlining the continued dangers facing the plant, the IAEA team has in recent weeks continued to hear regular explosions some distance away from the site. Five of the ZNPP’s six reactors remain in cold shutdown, while unit 4 is in hot shutdown to produce steam and heat, including for the nearby town of Enerhodar, where most plant staff live,” the statement reads.

According to the IAEA, over the past two weeks, experts have not been allowed to enter the reactor halls of power units 1, 2 and 6. Access to some parts of the ZNPP turbine halls is also still restricted.

“This is the first time that IAEA experts have not been granted access to a reactor hall of a unit that was in cold shutdown. This is where the reactor core and spent fuel are located. The team will continue to request this access,” they added.