Attacks on Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant significantly increase accident risk, warns The International Atomic Energy Agency, Ednews reports via Euronews.
U.N.’s atomic watchdog agency condemned a drone strike on one of six nuclear reactors at the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine, saying such attacks “significantly increase the risk of a major nuclear accident."
Officials at the plant said, "The site was attacked on Sunday by Ukrainian military drones, including a strike on the dome of the plant’s sixth power unit". Ukraine strongly denies any involvement.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed that the main reactor containment structures of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) were struck by at least three direct hits.
IAEA head Rafael Grossi said it was the first such attack since November 2022, when he set out five basic principles to avoid a serious nuclear accident with radiological consequences.
"This cannot happen," Grossi wrote on his X account on Sunday, issuing a strong plea to military decision-makers, urging them to refrain from any actions that breach the fundamental principles safeguarding nuclear facilities.