Russia has reported that a Ukrainian drone targeted a section of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant under Russian control. According to Rosatom chief Alexei Likhachev, the drone struck the turbine hall of Unit 6 on Saturday using fiber-optic guidance, indicating it was not accidental. The incident caused a breach in the turbine hall wall but did not affect the primary equipment, as per state-owned news agency RIA Novosti.
The Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, the largest in Europe with six reactors and among the world’s top 10, has raised concerns for the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) due to worries about a potential nuclear disaster. Controlled by Russia since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the plant is currently not operational.
Recent reports from Greenpeace revealed satellite images showing Russia constructing a high-voltage power line in areas of Ukraine’s Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia regions. Greenpeace Ukraine’s nuclear specialist, Shaun Burnie, expressed concerns about Russia’s plans to restart the Zaporizhzhia plant.
Despite the Greenpeace report, an IAEA official stated that there were no significant changes observed at the Zaporizhzhia plant indicating preparations for a restart. Ukraine lodged a complaint with the IAEA regarding the power line construction, labeling it a breach of international law and an infringement on Ukraine’s sovereignty.
Kyiv emphasized that any operation of the Zaporizhzhia plant without explicit authorization from the Ukrainian nuclear regulator is illegal and poses a direct threat to nuclear safety. Russia has not officially acknowledged the power line project, prompting Ukraine to raise objections through diplomatic channels.
