A laboratory at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine was struck by a drone, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency. Concerns about the plant’s safety have persisted since the conflict with Russia began in 2022. The facility, the largest in Europe, fell under Russian control after intense fighting, leading to multiple missile attacks near the plant as both sides accuse each other.
The latest drone attack targeted the External Radiation Control Laboratory of the power plant, as reported by the IAEA. While no injuries were reported, the extent of damage is being investigated. IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi emphasized that any attack on the plant poses a potential nuclear safety threat.
The IAEA was notified by the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant about the drone strike on its External Radiation Control Laboratory. The exact impact on the lab, located outside the plant’s perimeter, is yet to be determined. The IAEA team on-site has requested access to assess the situation. The agency reiterated the risks associated with attacks near nuclear sites.
Following a previous incident where a driver was killed by a drone strike conducted by the Ukrainian Armed Forces, the Russian State Atomic Energy Corporation expressed deep concern about the threats posed by attacks on the nuclear plant. The Rosatom corporation reported the death of an employee at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant during the April 27 incident.
In response to the incidents, the IAEA confirmed the drone strike that resulted in a driver’s death at the plant’s transport workshop. Rosatom conveyed that a Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant employee had been killed in a strike by the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The seriousness of such attacks on nuclear facilities was underscored by both the IAEA and Rosatom.
