IAEA: Zaporizhzhia NPP Safety Deteriorates After August 11 Drone Strike, Cooling Tower Fire

Aug 17, 2024, 12:46 PM

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reports that the nuclear safety situation at Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant is deteriorating following a drone strike. On August 11, Ukraine allegedly made two direct UAV strikes against a cooling tower at the plant, resulting in a fire that caused serious damage to internal structures. Russia has accused Ukraine of bombing a road near the plant, which is frequently used by personnel, though no injuries were reported. The Russian Foreign Ministry has called on the United Nations and the IAEA to condemn what it describes as provocative actions by Ukraine at Russian nuclear sites, including the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant. Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has refuted these claims, stating that they have no plans to use 'dirty bombs' or attack nuclear plants. IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi has expressed concern over the safety of nuclear power plants in the region and is prepared to assess the situation further.