IAEA Reports Shelling Near Zaporizhzhia Plant Amid Ongoing Tensions
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed Tuesday that its team at Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant heard explosions nearby and saw black smoke rising from three locations. While no casualties or damage were reported, the incident highlights growing risks to nuclear safety in the region. 💥
What Happened?
Artillery shells struck areas outside the plant's perimeter, about 400 meters from a diesel fuel storage facility. The plant’s reactors are offline, but nuclear fuel still requires cooling—making safety a critical concern.
Who’s Involved?
Russian forces have controlled the site—Europe’s largest nuclear facility—since 2022. Both Moscow and Kyiv regularly accuse each other of endangering the plant. Last week, a Moscow-appointed official claimed a Ukrainian drone exploded above the facility, while staff reported earlier attacks near reactor training centers.
Why It Matters 🌐
The IAEA has teams stationed at all four Ukrainian nuclear plants, urging restraint to prevent a potential disaster. With no official statements from either side, tensions remain high. As one expert put it: "Nuclear safety shouldn’t be a bargaining chip."
