– Once again, we see an escalation of threats to nuclear safety and security of the Zaporozhye nuclear power plant. I remain extremely concerned and reiterate my appeal for maximum restraint from all sides and strict adherence to the five specific principles established to protect the plant, said Rafael Grossi, Director General of the UN International Atomic Energy Agency, in a statement. The IAEA explained in the report that it refers to reports of an explosion of a drone device near the Zaporozhye nuclear power plant.
Appeal on Zaporizhia Nuclear Power Plant. Agency responds to disturbing reports
The report said that “the impact site was near vital cooling water sprinkler ponds and approximately 100 meters from the Dniprovskaya power line, the only remaining 750 kilovolt (kV) line providing power to the Zaporizhia power plant.”
Representatives of the IAEA Assistance and Support Mission in Zaporozhye visited the scene and determined that “the damage was probably caused by a drone equipped with an explosive device.” The agency emphasizes that no one was hurt in the explosion and no equipment at the power plant was damaged. The team emphasizes that military activity in the vicinity of the power plant has been high in the past week.
Russian government media reports that Ukrainian forces were behind the drone strike. The country's Foreign Ministry rejects the claim. Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Georgiy Tykhiy called it “a wave of crazy Russian propaganda.”
Fire at the Zaporizhia power plant
On August 12, a fire broke out at a power plant occupied by Russia. According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, it was started by the Russians themselves. Russian officials claimed that the fire was caused by an attack from Ukraine. No impact on nuclear safety was noted in connection with the fire. The Zaporozhye nuclear power plant is the largest nuclear power plant in Europe. The Russians have occupied it since March 2022. Since then, there have been several fires on its premises.