On Sunday, April 7, a drone exploded on the territory of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP), which was previously on the verge of blackout due to Russian attacks, damaging the first and sixth reactors. The victim is reported. No significant structural damage to systems, structures, or components has been reported at the site.
Apostrophe has collected the latest information on the situation at ZNPP.
The International Atomic Energy Agency quoted IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi on social network X, mentioning his comment that a drone had exploded on the territory of ZNPP. Here is how he commented on the situation:
"ZNPP informed the IAEA experts that a drone exploded on the territory of the plant today... I urge to refrain from actions that contradict the 5 IAEA principles and jeopardise nuclear safety".
He also stated the following: "This is a clear violation of the basic principles of protecting Europe's largest nuclear power plant. Such reckless attacks significantly increase the risk of a major nuclear accident and must be stopped immediately."
He later indicated that there had been at least three hits to the main structure of the containment vessel at ZNPP.
IAEA experts on social network X confirmed the physical impact of today's drone attacks on ZNPP, including the first of six reactors at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.
"One casualty reported. Damage at unit 6 has not compromised nuclear safety, but this is a serious incident w/ potential to undermine integrity of the reactor’s containment system," the IAEA said in a statement.
On its official website, the IAEA reports that no critical damage to nuclear safety systems has been detected:
"There is currently no indication of damage to critical nuclear safety or security systems at the site. However, military strikes have become another vivid reminder of the constant threats to ZNPP...".
It is noted that experts rushed to three locations for inspection, after which they were able to "confirme physical impact of drone attacks at ZNPP today, including at 1 of its 6 reactors., where surveillance and communication equipment appeared to have been hit. While the Russian military was on the roof of the Unit 6 reactor, they opened fire on what appeared to be an approaching drone."
After that, an explosion near the reactor vessel is mentioned. "Although the damage at Unit 6 did not jeopardize nuclear safety, it was a serious incident.." said Director General Grossi.
In a comment to Ukrainska Pravda, a representative of Defence Intelligence of Ukraine Andriy Yusov said that Ukraine "is not involved in any armed provocations on the territory of the ZNPP illegally occupied by Russia."
Earlier, we reported that on Friday, April 5, the Russian occupiers carried out another terrorist attack, shelling Zaporizhzhia.