Drone attack hits Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant, says IAEA
Earlier, Ukrainian authorities reported Russian military using the plant for equipment storage and personnel deployment.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported a drone detonated on the grounds of the occupied 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.
“IAEA experts have been informed by ZNPP that a drone detonated on site today. Such detonation is consistent with IAEA observations,” the IAEA said in a X/Twitter post.
The agency did not specify whose drone was involved.
“I urge to refrain from actions that contradict the 5 IAEA principles and jeopardize nuclear safety,” Director General Rafael Grossi said.
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.
Ukraine has not commented on the latest incident at the ZNPP.
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:
- 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