The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported shelling near Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant on Tuesday, with monitoring teams observing black smoke near the facility. While no casualties or infrastructure damage were confirmed, the incident highlights persistent risks to nuclear safety amid ongoing hostilities.
Critical Infrastructure at Risk
Artillery shells struck approximately 400 meters from the plant's diesel fuel storage area, according to the IAEA. Director General Rafael Grossi emphasized the urgent need to avoid actions threatening the facility, which requires continuous cooling for its nuclear fuel despite reactors being offline since 2022.
Escalating Tensions
Russian forces have controlled Europe's largest nuclear plant since the early stages of the Ukraine conflict. Both Moscow and Kyiv regularly accuse each other of endangering the site. Last week, a Moscow-appointed official claimed a Ukrainian drone detonated near the plant, while staff reported earlier attacks on a nearby training center.
Global Monitoring Efforts
The IAEA maintains permanent teams at all four Ukrainian nuclear facilities, urging restraint from all parties. With cross-border tensions unresolved, the Zaporizhzhia plant remains a focal point for international energy security concerns.
