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The UNs atomic watchdog states that the incident has the potential to compromise the reactors containment system.
The Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine, currently under Russian control, has been struck by a drone attack, causing damage to one of its six reactors.
The UN’s atomic watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), has confirmed the incident, which it describes as serious, a danger to nuclear safety and security, and a violation of established protective principles.
IAEA experts on-site inspected three impacted locations after receiving reports of the strikes.
They reported minor superficial damage including scorching on the reactor dome roof of Unit 6 and marks on a concrete slab supporting primary make-up water storage tanks.
There were no indications of damage to critical nuclear safety or security systems at the site.
IAEA director-general Rafael Mariano Grossi stated: “This is a major escalation of the nuclear safety and security dangers facing the Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant. Such reckless attacks significantly increase the risk of a major nuclear accident and must cease immediately.
“As I have repeatedly stated – including at the Security Council and the IAEA’s board of governors – no one can conceivably benefit or get any military or political advantage from attacks against nuclear facilities. Attacking a nuclear power plant is an absolute no-go.
“I firmly appeal to military decision-makers to abstain from any action violating the basic principles that protect nuclear facilities.
“Although the damage at unit 6 has not compromised nuclear safety, this was a serious incident that had the potential to undermine the integrity of the reactor’s containment system.”
The Zaporizhzhia plant, Europe’s largest nuclear facility, has been a point of contention since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
The facility was rapidly captured by Russian forces and has since been a hotspot in the conflict. |
