
Europe’s largest nuclear power facility, the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, was targeted in a drone strike on Sunday. The long-feared threat of strikes against the nuclear plant has now become a reality.
The Zaporizhzhia plant, which has been under Russian control since the early stages of the war, experienced what the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has called a “major escalation of the nuclear safety and security dangers” at the site. Rafael Mariano Grossi, head of the IAEA, labeled the attack as posing a “significant increase in the risk of a major nuclear accident” and demanded an immediate cessation of such reckless actions by any of the combatants.
'Dangerous Provocation': Kremlin Blasts Ukraine For Drone Strike On Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant https://t.co/CLiqjvBNdL
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“No one can conceivably benefit or get any military or political advantage from attacks against nuclear facilities. This is a no go. I firmly appeal to military decision makers to abstain from any action violating the basic principles that protect nuclear facilities,” Grossi said.
The strike included three direct hits against the facility’s main reactor containment structures. So far, there have been no reports of damage to critical nuclear safety or security systems. Grossi did describe the damage to the plant’s Unit 6 as “seriously concerning” regarding the integrity of the reactor’s containment system.
Moscow has blamed Ukraine for the drone strike, a claim Kyiv denies. The Kremlin described the attacks as a “very dangerous provocation,” pointing to the potential for long-term, terrible negative consequences. Dmitry Peskov, Kremlin spokesman, emphasized that this event is a continuation of Kyiv’s “terrorist activity.”
In contrast, Ukrainian officials refute responsibility, attributing the dangerous situation to Russian actions that endanger the nuclear facility and surrounding population. This latest provocation underscores the complexities of modern warfare, where the lines between military objectives and potential global catastrophes blur.
The Zaporizhzhia plant’s strategic significance to both warring parties cannot be understated. Yet, the international community’s response has been lukewarm at best. Despite the clear risks, the United Nations and Western officials have shied away from directly accusing Ukraine of orchestrating the attack.