Russia's Ambassador-at-Large Rodion Miroshnik stated that Ukrainian forces escalated drone attacks on the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) and Energodar last week. Attacks targeted ZNPP repair personnel, killing one and injuring another, and a large-scale raid hit the transport division, causing damage and a fire.
Russian Embassy in Canada criticizes Ottawa for quickly blaming Russia for an alleged strike near Chernobyl while ignoring Ukraine's systematic attacks on Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant.
IAEA Deputy Director General Mikhail Chudakov stated that military strikes on the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant are "absolutely unacceptable." He noted that while nuclear power plants offer significant energy advantages, they are vulnerable to attacks. This statement follows a recent Ukrainian drone strike on the plant's machine room.
Russia's UN envoy Vasily Nebenzya criticized the UN Secretariat and IAEA for an "ambiguous stance" on strikes at the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant, accusing them of "playing both sides" and creating an "atmosphere of permissiveness" for Kyiv.
Russia's Rosatom CEO urged the IAEA to take practical steps and provide an adequate response to Ukrainian drone attacks on the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant and Energodar, calling the strike on a power unit a "first targeted attack on an operating nuclear power unit in human history."
Ukrainian military activity, including artillery and drone attacks, has increased around Energodar and the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) over the weekend, according to ZNPP Communications Director Yevgenia Yashina. Attacks target infrastructure and aim to exert psychological pressure.
IAEA experts have requested access to the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant's External Radiation Control Laboratory after a drone attack. The ZNPP said a Ukrainian drone targeted the facility, located outside the plant's perimeter. No injuries were reported and no critical damage to equipment was confirmed. Director General Rafael Grossi warned that attacks near nuclear sites can pose nuclear safety risks.
The director of the Zaporozhye nuclear power station, Yury Chernichuk, has stated that the facility de jure and de facto belongs to Russia, rejecting any possibility of joint management. The statement comes amid reports that foreign politicians have discussed possible joint control over the plant during Ukraine negotiations. The Zaporozhye Region became part of Russia following referendums in September 2022, and President Putin signed a decree in October 2022 consolidating the station's status under Russian jurisdiction.
Russia condemns Ukrainian attack on Zaporozhye nuclear power plant that killed one employee, demanding IAEA and Director General Rafael Grossi take action against Kiev. Moscow calls the attack 'cynical' occurring days after nuclear safety conference, accusing Ukraine of disregarding nuclear safety and potentially creating radiological threats to pressure Western sponsors.
