The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine was damaged on Sunday in a drone attack, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The agency described the incident as serious, with the potential to undermine the integrity of the reactor's containment system.
The IAEA emphasized that despite the damage, nuclear safety at the Russian-controlled facility has not been compromised.
Director-General Rafael Grossi confirmed that the drone attack resulted in three direct hits on the main reactor containment, leading to one fatality. Grossi condemned the attack as a violation of the basic principles for protecting Europe's largest nuclear power plant and called for an immediate cessation of such reckless actions.
Russian authorities accused the Ukrainian military of carrying out the attacks using self-exploding drones, while Ukraine denied any involvement in the incident. The Zaporizhzhia NPP's official statement reported damage to a truck unloading food and the cargo port area of the facility.
The IAEA warned that shelling of the nuclear power plant and its infrastructure is unacceptable, as no nuclear facility is designed to withstand full-fledged attacks from armed forces. Damage to infrastructure could potentially impact the safe operation of the NPP.
Both Russia and Ukraine have exchanged accusations regarding the incident, with Ukraine's Defense Intelligence denying any responsibility. The Defense Intelligence spokesperson expressed concerns over the endangerment of the nuclear facility, civilians, and the environment of Europe.
IAEA Director-General Grossi reiterated the importance of protecting nuclear facilities and urged military decision-makers to refrain from actions that violate these principles. The source has reached out to Energoatom, Ukraine's largest power producer, and the Ukrainian Armed Forces for further comments.
