There were three direct drone strikes, said Rafael Mariano Grossi, director of the IAEA, adding that “even if the damage in Unit 6 did not compromise nuclear security, it is a serious incident that could potentially compromise the integrity of the reactor containment. system.”
It is unclear who launched the drones. While Russian officials claimed the attack was carried out by Ukrainian forces, Kiev officials denied any involvement in the attack in local media.
This is the first time since November 2022 that the plant has been directly targeted by military action, Grossi said, adding that it is a blatant violation of the five principles he established in May 2023 with the authorities Russian and Ukrainian authorities to ensure the safety and security of the facility.
IAEA officials on site reported that “outside a laboratory, they saw bloodstains next to a damaged military logistics vehicle, indicating that there is at least one casualty.” , wrote the agency.
“This is a major escalation of the dangers related to nuclear safety and security,” Grossi said. “Such reckless attacks significantly increase the risk of a major nuclear accident and must stop immediately. »
Zaporizhzhia is the largest nuclear power plant in Europe with six reactors. It currently does not produce electricity after the shutdown of all its reactors.
Further bombings around the plant have taken place in recent weeks, leading to the destruction of the plant. losing connection to one of its last emergency power lines last week.
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