IAEA inspectors for the first time since November 2022 have recorded at least three direct hits in the containment structure of the main reactor of Zaporizhzhia NPP. This was reported by the head of the Agency Rafael Grossi.
According to the IAEA, after receiving information about the drone attack on Zaporizhzhia NPP, experts of the organization went to the scene. They confirmed three drone hits and reported minor damage – including to the reactor dome of the plant’s sixth unit.
“Such reckless attacks significantly increase the risk of a major nuclear accident and should be stopped immediately,” IAEA chief Rafael Grossi said. Grossi said “no one can derive any military or political benefit from attacks on nuclear facilities.”
IAEA experts said the damage at Unit 6 caused by the drone attacks did not affect nuclear safety. However, the agency said it was “a serious incident with the potential to compromise the integrity of the reactor containment system.”
The day before, ZNPP management said that Ukrainian kamikaze drones struck the cargo port area, the plant’s canteen and the dome of Unit 6.
Russian forces occupied Europe’s largest nuclear power plant, Zaporizhzhia, at the beginning of a full-scale war with Ukraine. Three plant employees were wounded as a result.
Ukrainian military intelligence said they were “simulated strikes” by Russia. According to The Main Directorate of Intelligence of Ukraine, Ukraine was not involved in them.
