Inspectors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) recorded at least three hits on the territory of the Zaporozhye nuclear power plant, said the head of the organization, Rafael Grossi. The Russian state corporation Rosatom spoke about the drone attack yesterday.
According to the IAEA, after experts received information about a drone attack on the Zaporizhia NPP on April 7, they went to the site and found drone debris at three points. Near the laboratory, they noticed blood stains next to a damaged military vehicle, which, according to experts, indicates at least one casualty.
Rosatom reported the day before that three Zaporizhzhya NPP employees were injured, one of whom is in serious condition.
The IAEA press service reported that the organization’s experts “were able to confirm the physical impact of drone explosions, including on one of the facility’s six reactor buildings.” Experts recorded minor damage to the roof of the power unit's dome — burnt spots and scratches on the concrete.
The IAEA added that during the day experts heard explosions and shooting in the area of the station. The organization said no critical systems were damaged, but called it a «major escalation of threats to nuclear safety.»
«Although the damage at Unit 6 did not compromise nuclear safety, it was a serious incident that could potentially compromise the integrity of the reactor containment system,” Grossi said.
The station captured by Russia has become the target of military action for the first time in more than a year, the IAEA director added. According to him, “reckless attacks that significantly increase the risk of a serious nuclear accident must stop immediately.”
Rosatom claimed that the Ukrainian Armed Forces drone hit the territory of the Zaporizhia NPP adjacent to the canteen; half an hour later, a drone attacked “the area of the cargo port, then the sixth power unit of the Zaporizhzhya NPP was attacked by a drone — the dome was hit.” The station's management, appointed by Russia, wrote that a truck loaded with food was damaged.
Ukrainian military intelligence reported that Russia carried out “simulation strikes” on the Zaporizhzhya NPP site.