3 direct hits on Russian-held Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant reactor, IAEA chief says
Ukrainian intelligence officials clarified that Kyiv is not involved in any armed provocations there.
Rafael Grossi, the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), has stated that there were at least 3 direct hits on the main reactor containment structures of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) on Sunday.
The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, Europe’s largest, has been occupied by Russian forces since spring 2022. As a result, the plant has experienced nine blackouts, threatening unpredictable environmental consequences across Europe.
“Today, for the first time since Nov 2022 and after I set out 5 basic principles to avoid a serious nuclear accident with radiological consequences, IAEA confirmed that at least 3 direct hits against ZNPP main reactor containment structures took place. This cannot happen,” Grossi wrote on X/Twitter.
Grossi stressed that no one can benefit from attacks on nuclear facilities, calling such actions a “no-go.”
“I firmly appeal to military decision makers to abstain from any action violating the basic principles that protect nuclear facilities,” noted Grossi.
This development comes after the IAEA previously reported that a drone had detonated on the grounds of the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant on Sunday. The agency did not specify whose drone was involved.
Ukrainian intelligence officials stated that Kyiv is not involved in any armed provocations at the occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, adding that Russia’s simulated strikes on the plant are a common practice of the occupying forces.
Earlier, Russian-appointed plant managers claimed Ukrainian kamikaze drones struck the ZNPP, including the cargo port and a canteen, with no reported casualties. Rosatom said the plant experienced an “unprecedented” series of drone attacks, injuring three workers.
Russian troops deploy armored vehicles inside the occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, a recently released video reveals.https://t.co/bXQP4S5CM9 pic.twitter.com/MEIzaGVWLY
— Euromaidan Press (@EuromaidanPress) March 15, 2024
Previously, the Ukrainian authorities reported that the Russian army was using the ZNPP to store military equipment and deploy its personnel.
Read more:
- Drone attack hits Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant, says IAEA
- Russian forces use Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant as military base (video)
- Energoatom: Russia-seized Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant survives eight full blackouts since invasion started
- IAEA: Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant facing 50% staff shortage, expiring fuel
