An International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) vehicle was seriously damaged in a drone attack on Tuesday on the road to Ukraine’s Zaporizhia nuclear power plant, IAEA head Rafael Grossi said.
The IAEA has permanently stationed experts at the Russian-occupied power plant, which is close to the front line, to monitor the situation.
The teams are replaced regularly. The drone strike occurred during the final rotation.
“As Director General of the IAEA, I condemn in the strongest terms this attack on IAEA staff,” Grossi said in a video statement on X.
“Attacking a nuclear power plant is a no-go. Attacking those who ensure the nuclear safety and security of these plants is even more unacceptable,” Grossi added, calling for “the utmost restraint.”
Russia launched a series of attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure in late November. The IAEA warned that this endangers the safety of Ukraine’s nuclear power plants, whose cooling systems depend on a reliable power supply.
The IAEA Board of Governors plans to hold an exceptional meeting on Thursday.