Recent Drone Attack Heightens Nuclear Accident Risk at Zaporizhzhia Power Plant
The United Nations’ atomic watchdog has sounded the alarm following a fresh drone strike on Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia power plant, raising concerns of a potential catastrophic nuclear incident.
Russia has accused Ukraine of orchestrating the attack, which reportedly injured three individuals. However, Ukraine has vehemently denied any involvement in the incident.
Situated at the forefront of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the sprawling Zaporizhzhia plant houses six reactors and remains under Russian control since its capture during the full-scale invasion in February 2022.
Despite ceasing power generation in 2022, the plant requires a continuous power supply to cool one of its reactors, currently in a state of “hot conservation” – not fully offline.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), with a dedicated team of experts at Zaporizhzhia, has confirmed the physical impact of the drone strikes, including damage to one of the reactors. However, radiation levels reportedly remain within normal limits, and no significant harm has been detected.
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi condemned the attack as “reckless” and warned of heightened nuclear safety risks, emphasizing the need to preserve the integrity of the reactor’s containment system.
Amidst ongoing accusations between Russia and Ukraine regarding shelling incidents at the plant, both sides deny culpability in the latest attack. Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate refutes claims of involvement and points to Russia’s occupation of the facility as a key factor.
The IAEA’s continued presence at the plant underscores the persistent threat to nuclear safety in Ukraine. Despite efforts to mitigate risks, the situation remains precarious, with the potential for severe consequences to both human life and the environment.