Drone explodes at Zaporizhzhia NPP: three hits recorded, IAEA 'alarmed'

The International Atomic Energy Agency has announced that an unmanned aerial vehicle exploded at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant on April 7. IAEA experts learned about this from the occupiers, who have been holding the Ukrainian plant since the spring of 2022.

In connection with the receipt of such reports, the Agency's Director General Rafael Grossi called for "refraining from actions that jeopardize nuclear safety." The corresponding message appeared in the IAEA profile on the X network.

"The IAEA experts at ZNPP were informed that a drone detonated on site today. This detonation is consistent with IAEA observations. "I urge you to refrain from actions that contradict the 5 IAEA principles and jeopardize nuclear safety," Director General Grossi said," the statement said.

Later, they noted that the IAEA experts "confirmed the physical consequences of the drone attacks on ZNPP, in particular on one of the six reactors."

"One victim has been reported. The damage to the sixth power unit did not jeopardize nuclear safety, but it is a serious incident that could undermine the integrity of the reactor containment system," the agency said.

The IAEA Director General later clarified that at least three direct hits were recorded in the structure of the ZNPP reactor's main vessel. He expressed "concern" and said that no one can benefit militarily or politically from attacks on nuclear facilities.

"This is not an option. I strongly urge the military decision makers to refrain from any actions that violate the basic principles of protecting nuclear facilities," he said in a post on social network X.

In addition, the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine has already denied Ukraine's involvement in the drone explosion at the occupied ZNPP. According to DIU representative Andriy Yusov, strikes, including simulated strikes, on the territory of ZNPP, as well as the deployment of troops and weapons there, as well as mining of facilities, are "a constant criminal practice of the occupiers."

It should be noted that the IAEA did not name the sources from which the IAEA experts received the information about the alleged drone detonation at the largest nuclear power plant in Europe, which has been under Russian occupation for more than two years. However, Russian propaganda media began actively spreading reports around noon, citing the occupation "management" of the plant about "a strike on the dome of the 6th power unit of the Zaporizhzhia NPP." The propagandists also quickly identified the "culprits": the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

In the comments to the IAEA's post, subscribers' opinions were divided. While some suggest that Russia, which seized the ZNPP, "will not lie," and therefore Ukraine is definitely "guilty," others remind that "false flag operations," provocations, and lies are an integral part of Russia's policy and actions in all areas. Still others emphasize that the most absurd thing about the whole situation around the ZNPP is that Russian terrorists have seized and are holding the nuclear facility, and the international community cannot do anything about it.

In late March of this year, IAEA experts stated in their report that the occupiers were firing artillery from the territory of ZNPP. Members of the mission at ZNPP have repeatedly heard explosions and small arms fire themselves.

It was also reported that the occupiers are holding about ten ZNPP employees in torture chambers because of their pro-Ukrainian position and refusal to cooperate with the invaders.

Since the beginning of February this year, the occupiers have also banned the entry of licensed personnel who have not signed contracts with the fake Rosatom company.

Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!