Multiple drones reported near nuclear power plant in western Ukraine

A team from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspecting the safety of the Khmelnytskyy nuclear power plant in Ukraine had to shelter at their hotel for several hours this week after hearing drones which triggered an air raid alarm. 

The IAEA team was subsequently informed by the Ukrainian regulator that 12 drones had been flying near the site during the morning of October 28, the closest 400 metres away. The regulator also said drones had been reported on three occasions over the previous week.

“Frequent reports of drones flying near nuclear power plants continue to be a source of deep concern for nuclear safety and security,” IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said on October 31. “As we have stated repeatedly, any military activity in the vicinity of nuclear power plants represents a potential risk.”