International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) members examine Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in Enerhodar. Photo: EPA-EFE/SERGEI ILNITSKY
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed a claim that drones had struck the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in southeastern Ukraine on Sunday.
The Russian-appointed management of the plant had reported an attack on one of the reactor’s domes earlier on Sunday, though it stressed that there had been no critical damage to the facility.
Russia’s atomic energy agency Rosatom, which has managed the facility since it was captured by Russian forces in March 2022, said that three plant employees had been injured when at least three drone strikes attacked the site.
“Background radiation at the plant and the surrounding area has not changed and is at a level corresponding to the normal operation of power units and does not exceed natural background natural values,” the station said, adding that Rosatom had “condemned the attack” and had “called on the IAEA leadership as well as EU governments to immediately respond to the incident."
IAEA head Rafael Grossi confirmed that a drone had exploded at the plant, but did not specify which country’s military had launched the attack.
“This is a clear violation of the basic principles for protecting Europe’s largest NPP. Such reckless attacks significantly increase the risk of a major nuclear accident and must cease immediately,” said IAEA chief Rafael Grossi.
Ukraine has not yet commented on the Russian accusations.
