Explosion on dome

Ukraine denies drone attack on nuclear power plant

The Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant in southern Ukraine has repeatedly been the scene of hostilities.(Bild: APA/AFP/Olga MALTSEVA)

Three drones exploded over the Ukrainian nuclear power plant in Zaporizhzhya on Sunday, as confirmed by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The administration appointed by Russia accuses Ukraine. Its military intelligence service disagrees - and suggests a Russian false flag attack.

Ukraine was not involved in the "armed provocations" at the Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant, Andriy Yusov, spokesman for the Ukrainian military intelligence service (HUR), told "Ukrajinska Pravda". Russia, on the other hand, has often carried out false flag attacks, he said.

"Repeated attacks under false flags"
"The aggressor state has once again endangered the safety of this nuclear facility, civilians and the environment throughout Europe. Russian attacks, including false flag operations, on the territory of the Ukrainian nuclear power plant are the criminal and well-known tactics that the occupiers have repeatedly resorted to," said Yusov.

However, he did not directly blame the invaders for the drone attacks. In the past, Russia and Ukraine have often accused each other of firing at the facility.

The HUR spokesman also pointed out that the Russians have occupied the nuclear power plant with soldiers, stored weapons there and mined facilities at the plant. He called on Russia to withdraw its troops: "This is the only way Ukraine can regain control of this important nuclear power plant and comply with all necessary international standards."

Andriy Yusov, spokesman for the Ukrainian military intelligence service (archive image)(Bild: gur.gov.ua)

IAEA: Three direct hits, but radiation normal
On Sunday, the IAEA confirmed "three direct hits" on the occupied nuclear power plant near the front line. A drone exploded on the dome of a power plant unit, but did not cause any damage. Radiation levels at the six reactors were normal.

According to the nuclear power plant administration deployed by Russia, another drone damaged a truck near the canteen of the power plant. Three employees were injured in the bombardment. IAEA chief Rafael Grossi urgently warned the parties to the conflict on Sunday evening not to attack nuclear facilities.