A vehicle belonging to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) was struck by a drone on Tuesday while en route to the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP). The attack, attributed to a Russian drone, caused significant damage to the vehicle but did not result in any casualties, according to reports from IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Incident Details
The drone strike occurred as the IAEA team was conducting a personnel rotation at the Zaporizhzhia facility, which has been under Russian occupation since March 2022. The nuclear plant, Europe’s largest, lies close to the frontlines of the ongoing conflict and has been a focal point of international concern due to the heightened risks of nuclear incidents in the warzone.
Director-General Grossi condemned the attack in strong terms, calling it “unacceptable” and highlighting its severity. “This assault on those ensuring nuclear safety and security is a blatant violation,” he stated, reiterating the critical importance of the IAEA’s mission in preventing a nuclear disaster.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy confirmed the involvement of a Russian FPV (First-Person View) drone in the attack, asserting that the targeting was deliberate. “The Russians could not have been unaware of their target,” Zelenskyy said. He urged for decisive action from the IAEA and international partners, condemning the strike as a demonstration of Russia’s disregard for international norms and institutions.
IAEA’s Mission Amid Conflict
The IAEA has maintained a continuous presence at the Zaporizhzhia plant since September 2022, deploying teams to monitor and mitigate risks associated with the facility’s operation during the conflict. Over the past two years, the agency has conducted more than 140 missions across Ukraine, addressing issues such as shelling impacts, power supply interruptions, and the safety of nuclear infrastructure.
IAEA experts have focused on assessing the plant’s safety systems, providing technical support, and ensuring a stable electricity supply crucial for nuclear operations. However, access to critical infrastructure within the plant, including spare parts storage and fuel reserves, has been increasingly restricted due to the occupation and ongoing hostilities.
International Response and Implications
The attack on the IAEA convoy underscores the precarious situation surrounding the Zaporizhzhia nuclear facility and the broader challenges of protecting nuclear sites during conflict. The IAEA’s Board of Governors is scheduled to hold an extraordinary meeting on Thursday to discuss the incident and the escalating threats to nuclear safety in Ukraine.
President Zelenskyy’s call for a firm international response echoes concerns over the potential consequences of such attacks. The deliberate targeting of an organisation dedicated to nuclear safety monitoring sets a dangerous precedent and highlights the risks posed to global security.
The incident reinforces the urgency of establishing a demilitarised safety zone around the Zaporizhzhia plant, an initiative previously proposed by the IAEA but yet to gain traction amidst the ongoing conflict.
Broader Context
This drone attack comes against the backdrop of continued hostilities in Ukraine following Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022. The Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, a critical energy asset, has been a central point of contention and a potential flashpoint for a nuclear incident.
The IAEA’s ongoing efforts aim to mitigate these risks and safeguard nuclear infrastructure under the most challenging circumstances. However, the drone strike underscores the growing dangers faced by personnel on the ground and the pressing need for enhanced international measures to protect such missions.
The deliberate nature of the attack, as alleged by Ukraine, further complicates efforts to ensure the safety of nuclear facilities in conflict zones, intensifying calls for stricter adherence to international humanitarian law.
Image source: President Zelenskyy via Telegram
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