Russian officials reported that a Ukrainian drone dropped an explosive device on a road outside the Zaporozhye nuclear power plant in Ukraine, endangering Russian personnel using the route, according to Hotnews.
Remains Inactive
The Zaporozhye plant, the largest nuclear facility in Europe, has been under Russian control since the early stages of the invasion of Ukraine.
The plant remains inactive as Moscow and Kyiv continue to accuse each other of attempting to sabotage its operations and compromise safety around the facility. The Russian state news agency TAS reported that the drone attack occurred amid ongoing Ukrainian advances into Russian territory.
Ukrainian forces have claimed control over 82 settlements across 1,150 square kilometers in the Kursk region since August 6. The situation underscores the heightened risks in the region, with both sides accusing each other of dangerous actions.
Serious Safety Concerns
Roman Ustinov, Russia’s interim representative in Vienna, announced Moscow’s intent to discuss the Zaporozhye attack with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Ustinov emphasized Russia’s demand for the IAEA to caution Ukraine against repeating such attacks.
The Zaporozhye plant’s six inactive reactors rely on external power to keep nuclear material cool and prevent a potential catastrophic incident. The ongoing conflict near the facility raises serious concerns about its safety and the broader implications for regional stability.
Earlier Mikhail Sheremet, a Russian lawmaker, has called on the UN Security Council to prevent attacks on nuclear facilities like Zaporozhye and Kursk.
Sheremet warned back then of the severe consequences of such attacks and urged Western nations to publicly address the issue to avoid complicity in any nuclear-related crimes.
