IAEA concerned by increasing drone threats to nuclear power plant in Ukraine

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has been informed about a further attempted drone attack on the training centre of Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP), causing no damage or casualties, IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said.

This is the third reported attack targeting the training facility this month. The ZNPP, which is currently under Russian control, told the IAEA team stationed at the site that the drone reported on April 18 had been “neutralised”, without giving further details. 

The IAEA team said they heard an explosion at the same local time, 10:35am, as when ZNPP subsequently reported the attempted drone attack took place. The team was denied access to the training centre just outside the ZNPP site perimeter to assess the incident, with the plant citing potential security risks.

A series of drone attacks have significantly deepened concerns about the already precarious nuclear safety and security situation at Europe’s largest nuclear power plant, located on the frontline of the conflict.

“So far, the drone strikes have not compromised nuclear safety at the site. But, as I told the United Nations Security Council a few days ago, these reckless attacks must cease immediately,” Director General Grossi said.

IAEA experts have been monitoring the plant since Director General Grossi established a permanent presence there in September 2022 to help prevent a nuclear accident during the military conflict.  Whilst all reactors are now in cold shutdown, nuclear safety and security remains fragile. IAEA will therefore continue to monitor the plant.