IAEA Warns of Nuclear Risk After Drone Hits Zaporizhzhia Plant Lab

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has raised alarms following a drone attack on a radiation control laboratory situated near the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, Europe's largest nuclear facility. This incident, which occurred on May 3, marks the second such reported event in a week, escalating concerns over the safety of the plant, which has been under Russian control since 2022 and has ceased operations amidst the ongoing conflict.

IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi confirmed the drone strike, noting that the laboratory is located outside the main plant premises. While initial reports indicate no casualties and the extent of damage is yet to be determined, Grossi reiterated the inherent risks associated with any military activity near nuclear facilities. The IAEA's expert team stationed at Zaporizhzhia has requested access to the site to conduct a thorough investigation.

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Any attack near nuclear facilities can pose a risk to nuclear safety.

Russian authorities have attributed the attack to Ukrainian forces, asserting that the damage was not severe and the plant continues to operate normally. This accusation follows a similar claim from Russia on April 27, where they alleged a Ukrainian drone strike resulted in one fatality at the plant. Ukraine has not yet officially commented on these latest allegations.

In a parallel development, Ukraine announced a series of large-scale drone attacks targeting Russian energy infrastructure, including the significant Primorsk oil port on the Baltic Sea. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky claimed significant damage to the port and reported strikes on several Russian naval vessels. Russia, through Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, warned that continued Ukrainian attacks on energy facilities could lead to further increases in global oil prices, a scenario that could paradoxically benefit Russia financially despite reduced export volumes.

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Ukraine's long-range capabilities will continue to be comprehensively developed, at sea, in the air, and on the ground.