Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant Attacked by Drone, Triggering Reactor Incident

The International Atomic Energy Agency Reports Attack on Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has reported an attack by an unknown unmanned aerial vehicle on the territory of and one of the protective domes of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP). According to the IAEA, the incident triggered a series of incidents at the reactor block facilities.

Accusations and Denials

According to the report by RBC-Ukraine, the information was obtained from Reuters news agency and the IAEA page on the social network X. Reuters agency cites accusations from the Russian corporation «Rosatom,» which pointed to the Ukrainian Armed Forces in carrying out, according to them, three attacks by unmanned aerial vehicles on the ZNPP. However, Ukrainian military denies accusations against them and point to Russian involvement in the incident.

Details of the Attack

It is known that the first attack targeted the area around the canteen, resulting in injuries to three people. Later, the drone attacked the cargo loading area and then hit the dome of the sixth reactor. According to reports, three people were injured, with one sustaining serious injuries. The IAEA mission in Zaporizhzhia confirmed at least three direct hits on the reactor’s protective structure.

Current Situation

At present, the ZNPP has reported a normal radiation level and the absence of serious damage to the reactor structure. IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi has called for refraining from actions that violate IAEA principles and threaten nuclear safety. The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has called for condemnation of the actions, which they described as «nuclear terrorism.»