Zaporizhzhia: UN nuclear watchdog team hears shelling at Russian-controlled plant
The UN's nuclear watchdog says its team at the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia power plant in Ukraine heard shelling and saw black smoke nearby.
The IAEA says several artillery shells landed about 400m from the plant's diesel fuel depot. No casualties or damage were reported, but IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi said the incident "once again highlights the constant dangers to nuclear safety and security."
Both Russia and Ukraine have yet to comment.
The Zaporizhzhia plant is Europe's largest, and was seized by Russian forces in the early weeks of their invasion in February 2022. Kyiv and Moscow consistently accuse each other of putting the plant's security at risk.
Shelling is frequent in the area, and even though the reactors are shut down, the nuclear fuel inside still needs to be constantly cooled.
Last week, a Moscow-appointed governor in the region said a Ukrainian drone had detonated near the plant.
The IAEA has permanent observers at the site and at Ukraine's other three nuclear plants. The watchdog has repeatedly called on both sides to avoid any action that could threaten the facility's safety.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
