IAEA reports drone blast near Russia-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant

The IAEA website reported the information.

IAEA mission representatives were informed about a drone strike that happened outside of the plant’s protected area. The drone reportedly exploded near the cooling ponds and about 100 meters from the Dnipro power line, the only 750-kilovolt (kV) line providing power to the plant.

The Agency's team visited the site and observed damage likely caused by a drone with explosives. They noted that there were no casualties and no damage to NPP equipment, but the strike happened on the road between the plant's two main gates. 

Following this, Grossi declared a threat to nuclear safety.

“Yet again we see an escalation of the nuclear safety and security dangers facing the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. I remain extremely concerned and reiterate my call for maximum restraint from all sides and for strict observance of the five concrete principles established for the protection of the plant,” said Director General Grossi.

• Russian forces at the occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant denied entry to International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) experts who sought to inspect the cooling tower following a recent fire.