Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant Drone Attack Averts Disaster

Rosatom President Alexey Likhachev reported that an unmanned aerial vehicle struck the gallery linking power units at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, hitting a point only a few metres from the reactor block of unit 3. The impact did not trigger an explosion, preventing a potential nuclear incident.

Likhachev also noted a recent attempt on a dry nuclear fuel storage facility at the plant and said the complex is currently receiving electricity through a single 330‑kV transmission line repaired in June, with a second line still offline. The surrounding city of Enerhodar has suffered civilian casualties from ongoing artillery and drone strikes, with 15 deaths and 51 injuries reported since late April.

The Rosatom chief criticised the International Atomic Energy Agency for inadequate safety oversight and said he had met with IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi, who may visit the site to assess the situation.