Ukraine denies attacking Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant; IAEA notes drone-compatible damage

Ukraine's Armed Forces have vehemently denied Russian claims that they attacked the occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant with drones. The denial comes after Russia's state atomic energy agency, Rosatom, accused Ukraine of launching the strike, alleging it was the first attack targeting the plant's main equipment and caused damage to the turbine building.

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We emphasize: the Defense Forces of Ukraine do not attack nuclear energy facilities nor create threats to nuclear safety. Ukraine, as a responsible state, strictly adheres to the norms of international humanitarian law and the principles of nuclear safety.

In a statement on Telegram, Ukraine's Southern Defense Forces dismissed Rosatom's claims as "Russian propaganda." They emphasized that Ukraine does not attack nuclear facilities and adheres strictly to international humanitarian law and nuclear safety principles. The Ukrainian forces asserted that the illegal occupation and militarization of the plant by Russian troops pose the constant threat to nuclear safety in the region.

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The observations of the team are compatible with the impact of a drone.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed that its team observed damage to a metal hatch on an upper floor of the turbine building, along with debris and fiber optic remnants. The agency stated these observations are "compatible with the impact of a drone." While the IAEA has requested further access to assess the situation inside, they reported that radiation levels at the facility remain normal. IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi called the incident serious and a potential threat to key nuclear safety principles, without assigning blame for the attack.

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the attack... was a serious incident that endangered key principles of nuclear safety.