MOSCOW — Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Rafael Grossi on Tuesday warned of a risk of a nuclear incident at the Kursk nuclear power plant due to the conflict nearby.
"There is a risk of a nuclear incident here now," Grossi said after visiting the plant in Russia's Kursk region at the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin to assess the situation and work with Russian colleagues on solutions to current issues.
Following his visit to its main facilities, Grossi noted that the nuclear plant is operating under nearly normal conditions.
READ MORE: Zelensky says Ukraine's advance in Kursk region continues
Grossi said he was informed about attempted drone attacks on the plant's facilities, adding that he personally saw "traces of these attacks." He noted that military activity near the nuclear plant ultimately raises security concerns.
Russia accused Ukraine on Friday of trying to attack the Kursk nuclear power station. The drone fragments were reportedly located roughly 100 meters from the plant's spent fuel nuclear storage facility.
The IAEA can propose a range of technical steps and measures aimed at ensuring nuclear safety, Grossi noted.
He said the UN nuclear watchdog has already established a framework for cooperation with Russia's state nuclear power conglomerate Rosatom, representatives of the Russian armed forces, security forces, and the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The IAEA and Russian representatives are "discussing what can be done to prevent radiation incidents at the plant," Grossi said.
Ukraine's state-run energy company Ukrenergo said Tuesday it has implemented nationwide power cuts following Russia's largest-ever airstrike on the country.
Ukrenergo said electricity restrictions will be in place in all Ukrainian regions from 6 to 11 am local time (0300-0800 GMT), and from 3 to 9 pm (1200-1800 GMT) on Tuesday, as more than 500 settlements across Ukraine remain without power.
READ MORE: Ukraine hit 4 Russian military airfields in major drone attack
Russia on Monday launched 127 missiles and 109 combat drones, targeting energy infrastructure across Ukraine, Ukrainian Air Force Commander Mykola Oleshchuk said on Telegram, claiming "the most massive air attack."
The Russian defense ministry confirmed in a statement on Tuesday that it has carried out a group strike with long-range airborne precision weapons on critical Ukrainian airfield infrastructure, saying "all designated targets were hit."
The efforts to repair damaged power infrastructure are underway, said Ukrenergo.
