Drones attack Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia plant raising nuclear fears

The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine, controlled by Russians, was attacked by Ukrainian military drones on Sunday, according to AP reports. An explosion occurred near the dome. Despite the absence of critical damage and casualties, Rafael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), calls for adherence to safety principles.

The management of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, under Russian control, notified the IAEA about the drone assault on the site. Officials designated by the Russian authorities mentioned that the attack involved a hit on the dome of the sixth reactor. IAEA observers confirmed an explosion on the plant's premises.

Even though there were no initial reports of critical damage, casualties, and the radiation level remained normal after the attack, the Russian nuclear agency Rosatom later disclosed that three individuals were wounded in an "unprecedented series of drone attacks." Specifically, a drone hit an area close to the plant's cafeteria.

Without specifying the attackers, IAEA chief Rafael Mariano Grossi highlighted the security risks posed by such incidents.

I urge the avoidance of actions that breach the 5 principles of the IAEA and jeopardise nuclear safety - he posted on the X platform (formerly known as Twitter).

Europe's largest nuclear power station has been in the midst of armed conflict since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and the subsequent control of the plant by Russian forces. The IAEA has voiced its concern multiple times regarding the situation at the facility, fearing a possible nuclear catastrophe. Ukraine and Russia have continuously blamed each other for attacking the plant, which remains close to the front line.

Although the plant's six reactors have been inoperative for months, the site still needs electricity and qualified staff to manage critical cooling systems and other vital safety operations.

Aside from the incident at the plant, intense conflict persists in the Zaporizhzhia area. Ivan Fedorov, the governor of the Zaporizhzhia region, reported on Sunday that three individuals perished when a Russian missile struck a residence in the frontline city of Huliaipole. Later that day, another two persons were injured during the shelling of Huliaipole.

In the Kharkiv region to the northeast of Ukraine, Governor Oleh Syniehubov stated that three individuals were wounded in Russian artillery fire.

Furthermore, in the Russian region of Belgorod, which borders Ukraine, Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov disclosed that a girl perished and four others were injured when debris from a downed Ukrainian drone fell on a car carrying a family of six.