According to Rafael Marino Grossi, the International Atomic Energy Agency Director, the “physical integrity” of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant has been “violated.” He said, "It is obvious that the plant and physical integrity of the plant has been violated several times.” The crew returned yesterday from their visit to the plant.

"There were moments where the fire was obvious, heavy machine gun, artillery, mortars, at two or three times — really, very concerning, I would say, for all of us.”

Rafael Grossi said.

The visit to the plant was done to investigate the safety and security of the facility after the shelling of the area. Up until arriving, there were circulating concerns of increased military activity, however, the IAEA stated it would “not stop them” from completing their inspection — which held true.

"Of course, there is a lot more to do — my team is staying on. Most importantly is establishing a continued presence at the facility.”

Rafael Grossi added.

Zaporizhzhia was disconnected from the Ukrainian power grid last week after shelling around the area. It has also shut down multiple times for the same reason as Ukraine and Russia continue to trade accusations as to who is shelling the land. Russia has been accused of using the area as a shield due to its protected status, according to Western intelligence.

The IAEA's visit comes after weeks of shelling around and at the plant, causing damage to the physical facility, triggering power disconnections, and forcing the plant — which is staffed by Ukrainian civilians — to shut down at times. Kyiv and Moscow have traded blame for various attacks.