IAEA team at Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant reports potential drone attack

IAEA experts at the Russian-held Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant said they heard repeated rounds of gunfire reportedly directed at drones attacking the facility. They also heard a series of explosions. The nuclear plant has been in Russian hands since the start of the war against Ukraine in 2022. Both Russia and Ukraine have repeatedly accused each other of attacking the plant and posing a threat to nuclear safety. The IAEA team at Zaporizhzhia did not provide any indication about the origin of the drones and reported no damage at the facility. IAEA director-general Rafael Grossi warned that drones flying close to nuclear power plants could endanger their safety with potentially serious consequences. Such incidents must cease immediately.
The Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant does not currently produce electricity. Russia would like to restart the facility, but Grossi said last week that the plant lacks water for cooling and a stable power supply.