In a significant escalation of the ongoing conflict, Ukrainian forces have been accused of committing an act of “nuclear terrorism” following a strike on the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant. The incident has been condemned by Russian officials and has raised serious concerns about nuclear safety in the region.
According to Rosatom, Russia’s state nuclear energy corporation, the attack was carried out by Ukrainian kamikaze drones on August 11 at 17:20 and 17:32 GMT. One of the two UAVs directly hit a cooling tower at the facility, causing a fire that severely damaged the internal structure. This cooling tower is integral to the plant’s normal operation, as it helps regulate the temperature of the reactor’s cooling water.
Russian Foreign Ministry Condemns Attack, Questions IAEA Response
Yevgeniya Yashina, a spokesperson for the plant, described the attack as an “unprecedented threat to nuclear safety,” emphasizing that the strike breached the plant’s physical integrity and violated the basic principles of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The damage inflicted by the drone strike has raised fears about the potential collapse of the cooling tower, though experts have yet to assess the full extent of the damage due to ongoing safety concerns.
Ukrainian forces have been accused of committing an act of "nuclear terrorism" following a strike on the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant#Ukraine #NuclearTerrorism #NuclearPowerPlant #PowerCorridors pic.twitter.com/nxyuayOZHX
— POWER CORRIDORS (@power_corridors) August 12, 2024
Maria Zakharova, the spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, condemned the attack, questioning the silence of international bodies responsible for nuclear safety. “Where is Rafael Grossi and the entire IAEA?” she asked rhetorically, criticizing the agency for its perceived inaction. Zakharova also accused the Ukrainian government, supported by Western powers, of engaging in “nuclear terror on the continent” and warned of the broader implications for global energy and food security.
Also Read: Russia President Vladimir Putin Warns West of Nuclear War
Despite the severity of the attack, local authorities have reassured the public that there is no immediate danger to the town of Energodar or the surrounding Zaporozhye region. The governor of the region, Yevgeny Balitsky, stated that while the fire caused by the drone strike was concerning, it posed no threat to the plant or the local population.
International Concerns Grow Over Nuclear Safety Amid Escalating Conflict
The IAEA has acknowledged receiving information about the suspected UAV attack and confirmed that its experts observed heavy smoke emanating from the northern area of the plant. The agency is closely monitoring the situation and has yet to release a detailed assessment.
This incident marks a troubling development in the conflict, as it underscores the potential for catastrophic consequences if nuclear facilities become targets in military engagements. The international community is likely to watch closely as investigations into the attack unfold and as both sides continue to exchange accusations.
