IAEA Raises Alarm Over Reported Drone Strike at Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has expressed serious concern after a reported drone strike hit a turbine building at the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine, Europe’s largest nuclear facility.
According to the IAEA, the incident allegedly caused a hole in the wall of a turbine hall linked to Unit 6 of the plant. While no major damage to critical nuclear equipment or radiation leaks were reported, the development has once again raised fears about nuclear safety in the conflict zone.
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi warned that attacks on nuclear facilities are “like playing with fire” and stressed that no military action should take place at or near nuclear sites.
The agency’s team stationed at the plant has requested access to inspect the affected area and assess the extent of the damage firsthand. According to the IAEA, this would be the first reported drone strike within the plant’s perimeter since April 2024.
Russia’s state nuclear agency Rosatom blamed Ukraine for the strike, claiming a drone targeted the turbine island of Unit 6, while Ukrainian authorities denied the allegation and called it a propaganda attempt.
he Zaporizhzhia plant has remained under Russian control since 2022 and has repeatedly been at the center of international concerns over the risk of a potential nuclear accident amid ongoing military activity in the region.
