Ukraine says Russian drone hit nuclear fuel facility near Chernobyl

Ukraine has reported that a Russian drone strike hit a facility holding nuclear fuel in the vicinity of the Chernobyl exclusion zone. The Ukrainian State Agency for Exclusion Zone Management announced the attack, emphasizing the potential risks associated with such an incident in an area still affected by the 1986 nuclear disaster.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed it has been informed about the attack. The U.N. nuclear watchdog stated it will send inspectors to assess the damage and evaluate the safety implications of the strike. The IAEA's involvement underscores the international concern over the incident and the need for a thorough investigation.

While details about the extent of the damage and the specific type of nuclear fuel stored at the facility remain scarce, the attack highlights the ongoing dangers posed by the conflict to nuclear infrastructure. The proximity to Chernobyl, a site synonymous with nuclear catastrophe, amplifies the gravity of the situation, even if the facility itself is not a functioning power plant.