Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant: Russia claims Ukrainian attack on fuel tankers

Alexei Likhachev, head of Russia’s state atomic energy agency, has accused Ukrainian forces of attacking diesel fuel tankers near the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. The incident, which reportedly occurred on Friday, September 11, 2026, resulted in the deaths of two Russian soldiers and left several others injured.

Likhachev stated that the strikes were a series of “coordinated hits” targeting fuel supplies essential for the facility. Diesel generators are critical for maintaining the cooling of nuclear fuel in the reactors during power outages, particularly since the plant's two external power lines have been non-functional for nearly three weeks.

The Zaporizhzhia plant, Europe’s largest nuclear facility, has been under Russian control since the early weeks of the 2022 invasion. Both sides have frequently exchanged accusations regarding actions that jeopardize the safety of the site and increase the risk of a nuclear accident.