Russia is utilizing Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant (ZNPP), Europe’s largest nuclear power station, as a depot to stash military weapons, particularly “missile systems,” and to bombard the parts of Ukraine adjacent to the nuclear power plant, as revealed by a Ukrainian official of Kyiv’s nuclear agency.

In an interview broadcast on Friday, the Ukrainian nuclear agency head of Energoatom described the situation as “extremely tense,” claiming that as many as 500 Russian soldiers are currently in control of the nuke plant.

“The occupiers bring their machinery there, including missile systems, from which they already shell the other side of the river Dnipro and the territory of Nikopol,” Pedro Kotin said.

“They physically control the perimeter. The occupiers’ heavy machinery and trucks with weapons and explosives remain on the territory of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant,” he added. Before taking shots at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), he continued, “The pressure on the occupiers to leave the territory of the plant is insufficient.”

According to him, the International Atomic Energy Agency is engaging in political maneuvering by attempting to strike a balance between Russia and Ukraine. The IAEA has indicated that it needs to travel to the plant to carry out necessary upkeep duties.

IAEA chief Rafael Grossi noted the importance of “being able to travel to the (Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant) to conduct essential safety, security and safeguards activities,” according to a statement.