IAEA to have ‘full picture’ of Ukraine nuclear plant in days

By YESICA FISCH
Associated Press

ZAPORIZHZHIA, Ukraine (AP) — Fighting between Russian and Ukrainian forces is raging near Europe’s biggest nuclear power plant in a Russian-held area of eastern Ukraine. Friday’s clashes came as experts from the U.N.’s nuclear watchdog agency assessed damage at the Zaporizhzhia plant, which has been near the frontline, and tried to ensure its safety. The International Atomic Energy Agency inspectors braved gunfire along their route to reach the Zaporizhzhia plant. The IAEA head said Friday that he was concerned over the plant’s “physical integrity.” He said he expects to produce a report early next week, and will brief the U.N. Security Council on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Kremlin-backed local officials said one reactor that had been shut down on Thursday was restarted.