Smoke near Zaporizhzhia NPP: what is known about the fire and the threat to safety.

Smoke has been observed in the area of the cargo port of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant since August 12. The exact location of the fire and its possible consequences are being established.

This issue has attracted the attention of the Ministry of Energy.

The ministry noted that there is noticeable smoke near the NPP, but the exact location of the fire is currently unknown. They also emphasized that the cargo port is located outside the security zone of the plant itself.

'This incident again draws attention to the threats posed by the Russian occupation of the largest nuclear facility in Europe. The constant presence of Russian troops along with their equipment and military supplies on the territory of the NPP, as well as the constant psychological pressure on the Ukrainian personnel of the plant, is a serious violation of international law and the basic principles of nuclear safety.'

The Ministry of Energy emphasized that any provocations or military actions at the industrial site of the Zaporizhzhia NPP could lead to unpredictable and catastrophic consequences for the entire continent. The only way to restore nuclear safety is the immediate and complete demilitarization and de-occupation of the Zaporizhzhia NPP and its return under the full control of the legitimate operator - the Ukrainian state enterprise Energoatom.

It is worth noting that on July 13, a shooting incident occurred at the Zaporizhzhia NPP. Members of the IAEA mission discovered shell casings near the reactor blocks of the plant.

In addition, on July 4, the Russian army attacked the power line connecting the NPP with the unified energy system of Ukraine. This attack caused a blackout.