Nuclear Watchdog Voices Concern

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has expressed serious concern following reports of a drone strike at the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in southern Ukraine.

According to the IAEA, plant officials reported that a drone struck a turbine building on Saturday, leaving a hole in the structure’s wall. If confirmed, it would mark the first reported drone attack within the plant’s perimeter since April 2024.

Fears Over Nuclear Safety

IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi warned that any attack involving a nuclear facility poses significant risks.

“Attacking nuclear sites is like playing with fire,” Grossi said, adding that the agency has requested access to inspect the damaged building.

The Zaporizhzhia plant, Europe’s largest nuclear power station, has been under Russian control since the early weeks of Moscow’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine and remains close to the front lines.

Ukraine Rejects Russian Claims

Russian authorities blamed Ukrainian forces for the attack, but Ukraine strongly denied the allegation.

Ukraine’s Southern Defense Forces accused Russia of using the plant for “nuclear blackmail” and called the claims an information provocation aimed at discrediting Kyiv.

The military said Ukrainian forces strictly follow international humanitarian law and understand the dangers associated with operations near nuclear facilities.

Ongoing Dispute

Ukrainian officials argued that Russia has militarized the plant since occupying it in 2022, alleging that Russian troops and military equipment remain stationed on the site.

Ukraine also questioned Russia’s account of the incident, noting that Moscow had not released clear evidence of the reported damage and claiming Ukrainian forces do not possess the type of drone needed to cause the destruction described.

Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry dismissed the accusations as baseless.

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