The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has expressed grave concern following a reported drone strike at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP), one of Europe's largest nuclear facilities. IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi warned on Saturday that conducting attacks on nuclear infrastructure is akin to "playing with fire," emphasizing the catastrophic risks involved.
According to reports from the ZNPP, a drone struck a turbine building, resulting in a hole in one of the walls. Rosatom, the state nuclear cooperation of Russia, confirmed the incident, stating that a Ukrainian drone had targeted the turbine island of Unit 6. While the strike caused structural damage to the building, Rosatom indicated that no damage to key equipment was reported.
Director General Grossi reiterated a firm stance against the militarization of nuclear sites, stating, "There should be no attacks of any kind from or against a nuclear facility." He called for immediate restraint to prevent the jeopardization of nuclear safety and security for the surrounding region.
The IAEA team currently stationed at the plant has requested access to the affected turbine building to conduct a firsthand assessment of the damage. This incident marks the first drone attack within the ZNPP perimeter since reports of similar attacks in April 2024.
The Zaporizhzhia plant has been under Russian control since March 2022. Throughout the ongoing conflict, the IAEA has repeatedly highlighted the extreme dangers posed by military activities around the site, urging all parties to protect critical nuclear infrastructure to avoid a global safety crisis.
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IAEA chief voices concern over reported attacks on nuclear facilities
cgtn.com
