The IAEA director general considers the recent attack on Zaporizhia “a significant escalation”

April 8 () –

The director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, considered this Sunday that the Ukrainian drone attacks on the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant, in southern Ukraine, which has left at least three workers injured, are ” an important escalation” for nuclear security.

“These reckless attacks significantly increase the risk of a serious nuclear accident and must stop immediately,” he declared, according to a statement, which denounces that for the first time since November 2022, Europe's largest nuclear power plant has been “a direct target.” of a military action” that also represents a “clear violation” of the principles to protect these facilities.

Grossi has pointed out that, on this occasion, “although the damage” has not “compromised nuclear safety, it is a serious incident that had the potential to undermine the integrity of the reactor containment system.” In this way, he recalled that these attacks are a “clear reminder” of the “persistent threats” to this type of facilities during an armed conflict.

“As I have repeatedly stated — including in the (UN) Security Council and on the IAEA board of governors — no one can benefit or gain military or political advantage from attacks on nuclear facilities. Attacking a nuclear power plant is a no resounding,” he said.

IAEA experts on site have confirmed the physical impact of the drone detonations, including in one of the six reactor buildings, where surveillance and communication equipment has been attacked. Russian troops clashed with an approaching drone, following which an explosion was reported nearby.

The United Nations agency team has indicated that they have found remains of drones in several places at the plant. The experts have also indicated that they have heard explosions and gunshots during the day.

Hours earlier, the Russian authorities, who have control of the plant, denounced the attack and reported that three workers had been injured, one of them seriously. Moscow has taken the opportunity to criticize Ukrainian “nuclear terrorism” and has called on the IAEA to “immediately respond to the escalation.”