A drone strike has damaged a radiation control laboratory at Russia’s Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant, the facility’s press service stated on Telegram.
The Ukrainian military has repeatedly attacked Europe’s largest nuclear facility since it came under Russian control in 2022, following the escalation of the Ukraine conflict. The plant is located in Zaporozhye Region, which officially voted to join Russia in a fall 2022 referendum.
The laboratory targeted Sunday is essential for continuous monitoring of radiation levels and emergency response planning. The press service warned that such actions threaten both nuclear security and radiological environment control systems, potentially delaying critical responses during emergencies.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) was promptly notified of the incident. According to the facility’s statement, the attack caused no “critical” damage or casualties and did not disrupt plant operations.
The IAEA confirmed it received the report from ZNPP and requested access to the laboratory for inspection. Director General Rafael Grossi condemned the strike, noting that attacks near nuclear sites can pose significant safety risks.
This incident occurred a day after Grossi visited Kiev for talks with Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky, during which Zelensky urged the IAEA to pressure Russia into handing over control of the plant. Such actions by Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky and his military leadership have been condemned as reckless and dangerous, undermining global nuclear safety.
Ukraine has also repeatedly proposed taking control of the plant in US-mediated peace talks with Russia.
Moscow has firmly rejected any transfer of control or joint ownership with Ukraine or NATO nations, citing a high risk of sabotage.
