Moscow, August 12, 2024, The Europe Today: A Ukrainian drone strike has ignited a fire and inflicted significant damage on one of the cooling towers at the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant (NPP), according to a statement released by Russia’s state nuclear agency, Rosatom. The agency has condemned the attack as an act of “nuclear terrorism.”
In its statement issued on Monday, Rosatom reported that the facility was struck by two Ukrainian drones on the evening of August 11. The attack resulted in a fire that affected the internal structures of the cooling tower. While the fire was brought under control by emergency responders within a few hours, the damage to the cooling tower remains severe, and an assessment of the risk of collapse is pending.
Rosatom has accused Ukraine of targeting essential cooling infrastructure at the largest nuclear power plant in Europe, which has been subject to previous attacks. The agency’s allegations come amidst ongoing hostilities between Russia and Ukraine, with Zaporozhye NPP, located in the city of Energodar, often at the center of these exchanges.
In response, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky denied the accusation of a drone strike, instead attributing the fire to “Russian occupiers.” Zelensky released footage showing substantial flames and smoke emanating from the lower levels of the tower, but did not confirm the use of drones.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which maintains a monitoring mission at the Zaporozhye NPP, reported that its experts observed “multiple explosions” at the site. However, the IAEA has refrained from assigning responsibility for the incident and has indicated that no immediate impact on nuclear safety has been detected.
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi criticized both sides for what he described as “reckless attacks” that compromise nuclear safety and heighten the risk of a potential nuclear accident.
In reaction, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova criticized the IAEA for its perceived inaction, questioning the effectiveness of the UN agency’s oversight. She labeled the attack as part of a broader “nuclear terror” campaign led by Ukraine and its Western allies.
The Zaporozhye NPP has been under Russian control since March 2022, shortly after the onset of the conflict. Despite a public referendum in the autumn of 2022 affirming the region’s integration into Russia, the facility remains a flashpoint in the ongoing conflict, with both nations frequently accusing each other of aggression.
The situation at Zaporozhye NPP continues to be closely monitored by international agencies amid escalating tensions in the region.
