Attacks on the Zaporozhye nuclear power plant, Moscow and Kyiv blame each other (video)

At least three hits into the containment shell of the Zaporizhia NPP reactor occurred the day before; IAEA head Rafael Grossi called the attack “reckless.”

euronews tellsthat a kamikaze drone exploded on the territory of the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant. According to Grossi, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, there were at least three direct hits on the main structure of the reactor's containment vessel. The IAEA notes that the situation did not jeopardize nuclear safety, but such incidents increase the risk of a major nuclear accident.

Today, for the first time since Nov 2022 & after I set out 5 basic principles to avoid a serious nuclear accident w/ radiological consequences,@IAEAorg’s #ISAMZ confirmed that at least 3 direct hits against ZNPP main reactor containment structures took place. This cannot happen.

— Rafael MarianoGrossi (@rafaelmgrossi) April 7, 2024

The Russian Federation and Ukraine deny their involvement. Moscow blamed Kyiv for the attack on the Zaporizhia NPP. The Main Directorate of Intelligence of Ukraine stated that they were not involved in the attack and called it a “simulation strike” by the Russian Federation. IAEA chief Grossi said:

“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) confirmed that there were at least 3 direct hits to the main containment structures reactor at Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant. This should not happen. No one can gain any military or political benefit from attacks on nuclear facilities, this will not work. One casualty has been reported. The damage to Unit 6 did not compromise nuclear safety, but it is a serious incident, which could lead to a breach of the integrity of the reactor containment system. This is a clear violation of the basic principles of protecting Europe's largest nuclear power plant. Such reckless attacks significantly increase the risk of a major nuclear accident and must be stopped immediately. I strongly urge military decision-makers to refrain from any action violating the basic principles of protection of nuclear facilities.”

https://twitter.com/iaeaorg/status/1777046194834874783

The IAEA said its experts confirmed the physical impact attacks drones on Sunday at Zaporizhia NPP, incl. at 1 of the station's 6 reactors.

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