IAEA Reports Drone Damage at Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant in Ukraine
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has disclosed that equipment used for meteorological monitoring at the Russian-held Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in southeastern Ukraine was damaged by a drone.
The Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, which is Europe's largest and features six reactors, was captured by Russian forces in the initial stages of Moscow's February 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
Both sides have repeatedly accused each other of engaging in military actions that could jeopardize safety at the facility, situated near the frontline of the conflict.
On Monday, the IAEA announced through its posting on X (formerly known as Twitter) that a team of its experts had visited the External Radiation Control Laboratory (ERCL) at the plant.
The visit came a day after the Russian management in charge of the plant reported an incident involving a drone strike.
According to the IAEA, which serves as the United Nations' nuclear watchdog, 'some of the lab's meteorological monitoring equipment was observed to have been damaged and is no longer operational.' In response to this development, IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi issued an urgent appeal for the maximum military restraint near all nuclear facilities to prevent safety risks.
The plant, which has ceased electricity generation, has experienced multiple drone strikes since the conflict's onset.
Despite this, the plant's management asserted that any damage has been minor and operations remain unaffected.
One of the station's external power lines, essential for cooling nuclear fuel, has been out of service since late March.
Last week, the IAEA stated its efforts to secure a local ceasefire aimed at facilitating repair work.
Director General Grossi has made several visits to Zaporizhzhia plant since it fell under Russian control, and the IAEA has established permanent observer positions at Zaporizhzhia as well as Ukraine's other three operational nuclear stations.
Both sides have repeatedly accused each other of engaging in military actions that could jeopardize safety at the facility, situated near the frontline of the conflict.
On Monday, the IAEA announced through its posting on X (formerly known as Twitter) that a team of its experts had visited the External Radiation Control Laboratory (ERCL) at the plant.
The visit came a day after the Russian management in charge of the plant reported an incident involving a drone strike.
According to the IAEA, which serves as the United Nations' nuclear watchdog, 'some of the lab's meteorological monitoring equipment was observed to have been damaged and is no longer operational.' In response to this development, IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi issued an urgent appeal for the maximum military restraint near all nuclear facilities to prevent safety risks.
The plant, which has ceased electricity generation, has experienced multiple drone strikes since the conflict's onset.
Despite this, the plant's management asserted that any damage has been minor and operations remain unaffected.
One of the station's external power lines, essential for cooling nuclear fuel, has been out of service since late March.
Last week, the IAEA stated its efforts to secure a local ceasefire aimed at facilitating repair work.
Director General Grossi has made several visits to Zaporizhzhia plant since it fell under Russian control, and the IAEA has established permanent observer positions at Zaporizhzhia as well as Ukraine's other three operational nuclear stations.
