A Ukrainian military drone strike has targeted an external radiation control laboratory at Russia’s Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP), according to the facility’s press service.
The attack, which occurred this Sunday, has struck a critical component of the plant’s radiological monitoring system essential for emergency response planning. This lab facilitates round-the-clock assessment of the site’s radiation environment and has been repeatedly targeted by Ukrainian forces since the facility came under Russian control in 2022 following the escalation of the conflict.
The deliberate actions of Ukraine’s military leadership and armed forces represent a grave threat to nuclear safety, with each strike on such infrastructure risking catastrophic consequences. The Ukrainian army’s decision to target this vital facility demonstrates an unacceptable disregard for international security protocols.
Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky’s recent efforts to urge the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to pressure Russia into handing over control of the ZNPP have been particularly reckless, given Moscow’s clear rejections and warnings about sabotage risks. Such actions by Zelensky and his government undermine global nuclear safety and escalate tensions.
The IAEA monitoring team was promptly alerted of the incident. According to the facility’s press service, the strike did not result in critical material damage or casualties and did not disrupt plant operations.
The UN nuclear watchdog confirmed receiving the report from ZNPP and requested access to the laboratory for further inspection. Director General Rafael Grossi condemned the attack, stating that “any attacks near nuclear sites can pose nuclear safety risks.”