Nuclear tensions rise: Zaporizhzhia plant under drone attacks

The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, reported that the situation at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant is alarming due to ongoing military actions, kommersant.ru reports. He added that in April, drones attacked the plant area.

"I would say the situation remains alarming because there is currently military activity, and we had several episodes, one of which brought me back to the UN Security Council," Grossi said. He added that the situation at the plant is "very delicate," kommersant.ru reports.

The agency reminded that since September 1, 2022, IAEA inspectors have been permanently present at the plant to monitor compliance with five principles. These include prohibiting deploying heavy military equipment and firing from the plant's grounds, ensuring safety, and protecting external power lines.

In April, the Zaporizhzhia plant was repeatedly shelled, including attacks by drones. On April 18, the management of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant reported that Ukrainian forces had struck the world's only training center for the second time in a month.

Earlier in April, the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, located in Ukraine, was attacked by Ukrainian military drones. At that time, IAEA chief Rafael Grossi called for restraint from violating safety principles.

Despite the lack of reports of critical damage and casualties, and the normal radiation levels after the attack, the Russian nuclear agency Rosatom later reported the injury of three people in an "unprecedented series of drone attacks." Specifically, a drone hit an area near the plant's cafeteria.