The IAEA confirmed the explosion of a drone on the territory of the Zaporizhia NPP

According to information received on Sunday, April 7, by experts from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the dome of the 6th power unit of the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) was attacked by a drone. “Such a detonation is consistent with the observations of the IAEA,” the organization said in a message on the social network X. It also quotes IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi: “I urge you to refrain from actions that (…) jeopardize nuclear safety.” The CEO did not indicate the party that carried out the attack.

Despite the fact that neither the Ukrainian nor the Russian Ministry of Defense commented on this situation at the time of publication, the Russian media managed to blame the Armed Forces of Ukraine for the attack, citing the “leadership” of the Zaporizhia NPP, appointed by the occupation authorities. According to him, “there was no critical damage or casualties,” but there were allegedly several drones: one drone crashed near the canteen and damaged a truck delivering food, and another UAV fell near the cargo port. According to the “management” of the Zaporizhzhya NPP, 20 minutes before the attack, IAEA experts carried out a planned tour of the plant’s territory.

IAEA experts have been informed by ZNPP that a drone detonated on site today. Such detonation is consistent with IAEA observations. “I urge to refrain from actions that contradict the 5 IAEA principles and jeopardise nuclear safety,” Director General @rafaelmgrossi said.

— IAEA – International Atomic Energy Agency ️ (@iaeaorg) April 7, 2024