IAEA experts inspect site of Ukrainian drone's impact at Zaporizhzhya nuclear plant
Moscow, May 31
Experts from the International Atomic Energy Agency are inspecting the impact site of a Ukrainian drone at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, local media reported on Sunday.
"IAEA experts are inspecting the damage caused by the Ukrainian drone strike on Unit 6 of the Zaporizhzhya NPP on May 30," Mikhail Ulyanov, Russia's Permanent Representative to the International Organisations in Vienna, wrote on Facebook, Russia's state-owned Tass news agency reported.
During the inspection, the team saw damage to a metal access hatch located several levels up in the building, as well as a few pieces of debris and burned optical fiber remains on the ground. The team's observations are consistent with the impact of a drone, the IAEA wrote on social media platform X.
"During the walk down, the team was told to shelter after hearing the sound of drones nearby and gunfire to repel them. The team was still able to confirm with their measuring equipment that radiation levels at the site remain normal," the nuclear watchdog highlighted on X.
The IAEA has also requested access to the inside of the building -- noting that it is located immediately next to reactor unit 6 -- for further examination.
IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said the strike was a serious incident that endangered key nuclear safety principles.
Attacks on nuclear sites are unacceptable and must stop in order to prevent the very real risk of a nuclear accident that would benefit no one, Grossi added, noted the post on X.
"This afternoon, a Ukrainian combat drone struck the turbine building of Unit 6, causing a subsequent detonation. The explosion did not damage the main equipment, but it did create a hole in the turbine wall. It's noteworthy that the drone was controlled via fiber optics. This completely rules out the possibility of an accidental impact," said Rosatom Director General Alexey Likhachev on Saturday.
According to Likhachev, this attack marks the first targeted attack on a nuclear power plant's core equipment in the history of the international community.
— IANS
Reader Comments
While I understand the geopolitical tensions, attacking a nuclear plant is playing with fire. This could have had catastrophic consequences for the entire region. Both sides need to de-escalate immediately.
IAEA should be given full access to confirm all details. It's good that radiation levels are normal, but this sets a dangerous precedent. Probably not an accidental hit given the fiber-optic control mentioned. 😟
Honestly, this feels like a desperate move by Ukraine. But targeting a nuclear plant's core equipment? That's crossing a red line. Hope the international community takes this seriously and pressures both sides.
The IAEA's role is critical here. Radiation remaining normal is a relief, but the damage to the turbine building and the risk of escalation is alarming. We must remember Chernobyl's lessons. 🕊️
I just hope both sides realize that a nuclear accident doesn't care about borders. India has always advocated for peace; this is exactly why. Let the IAEA investigate thoroughly before jumping to conclusions.
Fiber-optic controlled drone? That's not some amateur move. This was deliberate. While I'm critical of Russia's actions in this war, this attack on a nuclear plant is unacceptable. Need to hold responsible parties accountable.
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