The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Mariano Grossi, warned of a “major nuclear accident” following a drone attack on Zaporizhzhia power plant in Russia-controlled territory, The Independent reported.
The explosion reportedly took place near the reactor building on Sunday, with the dome of the plant’s sixth unit being hit. It has been the first direct attack on a nuclear facility since November 2022.
“While they were at the roof of the reactor, unit 6, Russian troops engaged what appeared to be an approaching drone. This was followed by an explosion near the reactor building.”
Shortly after the attacks were reported, IAEA experts were dispatched to the three affected sites and confirmed the physical impact of the drone blasts. The team observed drone remnants at that and two other impact locations at the site.
At one of them, outside a laboratory, they saw blood stains next to a damaged military logistics vehicle, indicating at least one casualty. Additionally, the IAEA team heard several rounds of outgoing artillery fire from near the plant.
The IAEA Director General warned that no one could “conceivably benefit or gain any military or political advantage from attacks against nuclear facilities.” Military decision-makers should refrain from “any action violating the basic principles protecting nuclear facilities,” Grossi added.
“This is a major escalation of the nuclear safety and security dangers facing the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. Such reckless attacks significantly increase the risk of a major nuclear accident and must cease immediately. Attacking a nuclear power plant is an absolute no go.”
Officials at the Russia-controlled plant reported normal radiation levels and no serious injuries or casualties after the strikes.
Zaporizhzhia, Europe’s largest nuclear facility, has been under threat since the war in Ukraine broke out in February 2022. The IAEA has repeatedly raised the alarm about the plant amid concerns of a potential nuclear disaster, especially given that the facility is still close to the front lines.
The plant’s six reactors have been shut down for months, but it still needs electricity and qualified personnel to run critical cooling systems and other safety features.
