Drone Damage Threatens Safety at Europe's Largest Nuclear Plant

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) announced on Monday that meteorological monitoring equipment at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in southeastern Ukraine sustained damage from a drone attack. The plant, seized by Russian forces during their February 2022 invasion of Ukraine, is Europe's largest with six reactors.

Regular accusations between both sides of military actions at the plant have raised serious safety concerns. An IAEA team visited the site following the incident to assess the damage. They observed that some of the lab's meteorological equipment is no longer operational. IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi emphasized the need for maximum military restraint near nuclear facilities to mitigate safety risks.

The plant, which is currently inactive, has suffered several drone strikes, and one external power line remains down since March. Despite minor damages reported by the plant's management, efforts continue to secure a ceasefire to perform necessary repairs. The IAEA has placed permanent observers at Zaporizhzhia and Ukraine's other nuclear sites.

(With inputs from agencies.)