- Kyiv Denounces Allegations as ‘Information Operation’ by Occupying Forces
KYIV — A drone strike reportedly damaged part of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, currently under Russian occupation in southern Ukraine, prompting renewed concerns over nuclear safety and security in the conflict zone.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said it had been informed by the Russian-installed operator of the facility that a drone struck the turbine building on Saturday, reportedly leaving a hole in an exterior wall. No critical nuclear systems were affected, according to available reports.
Ukraine Questions Motive Behind Russian Accusations
Russian state nuclear company Rosatom quickly accused Ukraine of carrying out a deliberate attack on the facility. Kyiv firmly rejected the allegation, describing it as another attempt by Moscow to manipulate international opinion.
In a statement, Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry argued that the accusation lacked credibility, stressing that Zaporizhzhia remains Ukrainian sovereign territory despite Russia’s occupation.
“It is unclear why Ukraine would attack its own nuclear power plant, which it seeks to restore under its lawful control,” the ministry said. “These claims appear to be another information operation by the occupying state.”
IAEA Urges Maximum Restraint Around Nuclear Facilities
The Zaporizhzhia plant, Europe’s largest nuclear facility, has remained a focal point of international concern since Russian forces seized control of the site in 2022.
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi reiterated the agency’s longstanding warning against any military activity near nuclear infrastructure.
“There should be no attack of any kind from or against the plant,” Grossi said. “Attacking nuclear sites is like playing with fire.”
Ongoing Risks Under Russian Occupation
The latest incident highlights the persistent dangers facing the facility as fighting continues near the front lines in southern Ukraine. Kyiv and its international partners have repeatedly called for the demilitarization of the plant and the restoration of full Ukrainian control to ensure long-term nuclear safety.
While Russian officials claimed the strike damaged a machine room wall, they acknowledged that no core equipment was affected and that the plant’s operational safety systems remained intact.
International Attention Focused on Nuclear Security
The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant has become a symbol of the broader risks posed by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, with international organizations continuing to monitor the situation closely. Global leaders have repeatedly emphasized that nuclear facilities must never become military targets and have urged all parties to prevent actions that could trigger a wider nuclear emergency.
BY: The Times Union
