Three hits to ZNPP reactor containment confirmed to IAEA

A drone exploded on the territory of the Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant in temporarily occupied Energodar on 7 April. This was reported by the IAEA press service.

As IAEA experts were informed at ZNPP, a drone exploded at the site today. This detonation is consistent with the IAEA observations, - stated in the message.

IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi urged to refrain from actions contrary to the 5 principles of the IAEA and endangering nuclear safety.

IAEA experts have confirmed the physical consequences of drone attacks at ZNPP, including one of the six reactors.

One casualty was reported. The damage to Unit 6 did not jeopardise nuclear safety, but it is a serious incident that could undermine the integrity of the reactor containment system.

Today, for the first time since November 2022 and after I outlined the 5 basic principles for avoiding a serious nuclear accident with radiological consequences, ISAMZ (IAEA Support and Assistance Mission in Zaporozhye - ed.) confirmed that there were at least 3 direct hits to the main structures of the ZNPP reactor containment. This should not happen - IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi.

Andriy Yusov, a representative of the Defence Ministry's Directorate of the Ministry of Defence, said in a commentary to Ukrayinska Pravda that the drone strike near the reactor of the Russian-controlled ZNPP was a simulated strike by Russian troops on the territory of the plant.

The aggressor state is once again endangering a nuclear facility, civilians and the environment across Europe. Russian strikes, in particular simulated strikes, on the territory of the Ukrainian nuclear power plant, as well as the deployment of troops and weapons there and the mining of ZNPP facilities have long been a well-known and constant criminal practice of the occupants," he said.