The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, under Russian control, suffered significant damage on Sunday following a drone attack, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported. Describing the strike as “a serious incident with the potential to undermine the integrity of the reactor’s containment system,” the IAEA assured the public that nuclear safety remains uncompromised.
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According to statements released on the X platform, the drone attack targeted the main reactor containment at the facility, resulting in three direct hits. Rafael Grossi, director-general of the IAEA, revealed that one fatality was recorded as a consequence of the assault.
Grossi condemned the attack, emphasizing its violation of fundamental principles safeguarding Europe’s largest nuclear power plant. He urged an immediate cessation of such reckless actions, warning of the heightened risk of a major nuclear accident.
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In response, Russian authorities accused the Ukrainian military of orchestrating the attacks using “self-exploding” drones. Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant’s official Telegram channel reported damage to a truck unloading food and another hit in the cargo port area.
Asserting that shelling the nuclear facility and its infrastructure is unacceptable, the Zaporizhzhia NPP statement underscored the potential impact on the plant’s safe operation. Ukraine, however, denied any involvement in the attack, as confirmed by Andriy Yusov, spokesperson for the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine.
Yusov condemned Russia’s actions, highlighting the endangerment of the nuclear facility, civilians, and the environment across Europe. The veracity of both Russia’s and Ukraine’s claims remains unverified by independent sources.
Director-General Grossi reiterated the gravity of targeting nuclear facilities, emphasizing the absence of any benefits or military advantage from such attacks. He called upon military decision-makers to adhere to principles protecting nuclear facilities.
