The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) appealed to Russia and Ukraine for “maximum restraint” after Russian reports that a Ukrainian drone had struck an access road to the Zaporozhye nuclear power plant. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry called Moscow’s accusations a “wave of hysterical Russian propaganda.”
The drone strike was announced by Russian management of the Russian-occupied Zaporozhye nuclear power plant shortly after striking Ukraine. It said a Ukrainian drone dropped an explosive device on a road used by workers. Moscow and Kiev have repeatedly accused each other of trying to sabotage the operation of the facility and escalating threats.
– We are very worried. Rafael Croce, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), responded by reiterating my call for all parties to strictly adhere to the five specific principles established for maximum control and protection of the plant. – Once again, we see an increase (…) in the threats facing the power plant – he added.
>> “As long as the Russian terrorists have control over the plant, the situation cannot be normal”
According to the agency, the impact site was near the power plant’s cooling-related installation and about 100 meters from a power line.
View of the Zaporozhye nuclear power plant Ihor Bondarenko/Shutterstock
The company conducted the survey
An IAEA team inspected the area on Saturday and said the damage was caused by a drone armed with an explosive device. The agency’s report concluded that the plant’s installations were not damaged and no one was injured. There was a power outage on the road between the two main gates of the power board.
Moscow wants to discuss the attack on the Zaporozhye power plant with the IAEA, Russian news agency RIA reported, citing Roman Ustinov, Russia’s acting representative in Vienna.
Meanwhile – Ukrainian website Kyiv Independent – last week the Russian Defense Ministry accused Ukraine of planning an “attack on the Kursk nuclear power plant” and threatened to “take decisive retaliatory military measures”.
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Ukraine refuses
The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry denied Moscow’s accusations, with Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesman Hiori Taichi calling them a “crazy Russian propaganda wave.”
“We officially reject these false statements. Ukraine has neither the intention nor the ability to carry out such actions. Russia must stop spreading dangerous lies,” a Ukrainian spokesman said.
Main photo source: Ihor Bondarenko/Shutterstock