IAEA Director Urges End to Drone Flights Over Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has expressed grave concerns regarding military drone operations in the vicinity of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) amid ongoing hostilities in Ukraine. Following a recent incident where a hostile drone crashed near the facility, IAEA officials have called for an immediate cessation of all drone flights over nuclear sites.

On Wednesday morning, personnel from the ZNPP alerted the IAEA team of gunfire and reported that a drone had struck the roof of a training center located just outside the power plant premises. The precise circumstances surrounding the drone's descent remain unclear, with officials unable to determine whether it was targeted or if it fell due to being shot down. Fortunately, the incident resulted in no casualties and minimal damage.

IAEA Director General has stated that these recorded drone incidents pose significant risks to nuclear safety. He emphasized that the frequency of drone flights near nuclear facilities, including Zaporizhzhia, is alarming and must be halted immediately.

This incident marks the third reported drone attack on the ZNPP's training center within the current year. Earlier in January, a similar drone attack was noted, followed by another incident in April when a downed drone fell close to the same location.

Furthermore, other nuclear facilities in Ukraine have also been subjected to drone attacks throughout the ongoing conflict. Notably, in February, a drone caused damage to the New Safe Confinement structure at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant, which was constructed to prevent further radioactive leakage following the catastrophic incident in 1986.

The IAEA has reported that drone sightings have been frequent at various active nuclear power plants, including those in Khmelnytskyi and Rivne, as well as facilities in southern Ukraine. On one occasion, drones were observed within a two-kilometer radius of a southern nuclear site, prompting the IAEA team present to witness anti-aircraft fire in the area. Additionally, drones were reported to have entered the exclusion zones surrounding Chernobyl on the same day.

As the situation continues to evolve, the IAEA reiterates the necessity for strict measures to safeguard nuclear sites from military activities that could jeopardize their safety and security.