Russia says a Ukrainian drone struck the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant
Russia's state nuclear operator Rosatom said a Ukrainian drone struck the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, but reported no change in ambient radiation levels, SCMP reported. Kyiv denied responsibility, and the International Atomic Energy Agency requested further information for independent verification.
South China Morning Post · ReutersRussia's state nuclear-energy company Rosatom said an unmanned aerial vehicle struck the administrative building of the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. SCMP reported that the incident took place on Friday evening local time; plant management said reactor units were unaffected and that ambient radiation readings remained within normal ranges. Russia's foreign ministry described the strike as 'a serious violation of international nuclear-safety norms.'
Ukraine's General Staff said in a written statement that 'no verified evidence of the claim has been presented' and that Kyiv 'does not target civilian or critical nuclear infrastructure.' The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director-General Rafael Grossi said he had requested additional information from on-site monitors for independent verification, and that the agency's rotation team would change over this week. Grossi warned that 'every incident raises further the nuclear-safety risks.'
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia might launch large-scale aerial strikes over the weekend, and the European Commission's spokesperson said the EU Council would discuss nuclear safety as an extraordinary agenda item in Brussels on Monday. Türkiye's foreign ministry called for 'restraint around nuclear infrastructure.' U.S. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said Washington supported the IAEA's work and that diplomatic steps would be discussed.
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