Ukraine’s energy minister and IAEA director discussed situation at Zaporizhzhia plant

In Vienna, Minister of Energy of Ukraine Herman Halushchenko held a meeting with IAEA Director General Raphael Grossi.

Raphael Grossi informed the minister about the results of his last visit to the Zaporizhzhia NPP, which is temporarily occupied by the Russians, and the measures taken by the IAEA representatives to control nuclear and radiation safety at the plant.

The head of the IAEA paid special attention to the comments of experts on the possible return to operation of the ZNPP or some of its power units.

The sides also discussed the issues of ending the service life of the fuel loaded into the plant’s reactors and preventing Ukrainian personnel from performing duties at the NPP by the occupiers.

Rafael Grossi noted that the IAEA representatives who are on a mission at the plant do not always have the opportunity to inspect all facilities of the ZNPP, and the agency insists on expanding such access.

Herman Halushchenko thanked the IAEA and at the same time emphasized that the situation at the occupied plant is worsening every day, and this indicates the need for the fastest possible withdrawal of Russian troops and Rosatom personnel from its territory in order to return the ZNPP to the full control of Ukraine.

Rinat Akhmetov’s Metinvest Group has completed the construction of an upgraded underground NATO Role 2 hospital in one of the hottest sectors of the frontline. This is the second stabilization point established under the Steel Front initiative in cooperation with the Medical Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The new facility, funded by Metinvest with an investment of UAH 21 million, is more secure than the first one thanks to its deeper location underground (over 6 meters) and additional fortifications.

Five armored vehicles “Kozak” have received a new mission – thanks to the support of Metinvest, they have been upgraded to full-fledged command and staff vehicles. These upgraded vehicles are now operating on the front line.

A kamikaze drone flies directly toward an armored personnel carrier. But instead of penetrating the hull, it explodes on a steel screen. The crew survives. This is the new reality for Ukrainian forces, who have received enhanced protection thanks to the Metinvest project within “Steel Front of Rinat Akhmetov”.

To commemorate the third anniversary of the full-scale invasion, “Bukvy” has compiled data on the largest donors supporting the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Among them there are charitable foundations and businesses. The list includes, in particular, foundations that provide assistance exclusively from their own resources, without fundraising (such as SCM by Rinat Akhmetov, Epicenter, etc.).

In just 1.5 months, Ukrainian specialists have created an innovative protective shell for the control modules of anti-aircraft missile systems (AMS) Patriot and Iris-T SLM. This development was another step in strengthening Ukraine’s defense capabilities, aimed at protecting key elements of the air defense system from debris damage.