Watchdog condemns ‘reckless’ attack after inspectors find damage at Russian-controlled power station
Russia and Ukraine have each accused the other of launching kamikaze drones at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in an incident condemned by the International Atomic Energy Agency for recklessly endangering safety.
The nuclear watchdog said onsite inspectors had seen the damage caused by drone detonations at three locations, including “superficial scorching” at the top of the roof of reactor 6, although it said its structural integrity was not compromised.
It is the first time the nuclear power plant, the largest in Europe, has been targeted in military action since November 2022. Captured by Russia early in the war, the plant sits directly on the frontline, within range of both sides’ militaries.
Rafael Grossi, the director general of the IAEA, described the episode as a major escalation and called for it not be repeated. “Such reckless attacks significantly increase the risk of a major nuclear accident and must cease immediately,” he said.
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