Tensions Rise Over Safety of Kursk Nuclear Plant Amid Ukraine Conflict

U.N. nuclear agency chief Rafael Grossi visited the Kursk nuclear power plant in Russia, which has reportedly been attacked by Ukrainian forces. The visit comes amid growing concern for the safety of nuclear facilities due to ongoing conflicts. The situation mirrors past incidents at Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia plant.

U.N. nuclear agency chief Rafael Grossi visited the Kursk nuclear power plant on Tuesday, amid rising tensions due to alleged attacks by Ukrainian forces. The plant is located just 40 kilometers from the front line where Ukrainian troops have breached Russian territory.

The security of nuclear power plants has been a recurring concern throughout the Ukraine war, which started in February 2022. Both Moscow and Kyiv have accused each other of various attacks on nuclear facilities, including the Zaporizhzhia plant in Ukraine. However, the recent incursion by Ukrainian forces into Russian territory has brought renewed focus on the Kursk plant.

President Vladimir Putin has accused Ukraine of targeting the Kursk facility, which houses four Soviet-designed reactors. Ukrainian officials have yet to respond. Grossi, who has emphasized the importance of nuclear safety, said his visit aims to assess the security conditions at the plant, currently managed by Russia's state nuclear corporation, Rosatom.

As the conflict escalates, the Kursk plant's proximity to the front lines and the presence of inoperative reactors pose significant risks. Recent reports of a drone found near the plant's spent fuel storage have heightened these concerns, although radiation levels remain normal according to Russian monitoring stations.

(With inputs from agencies.)