On May 5, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said that a device at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in southeastern Ukraine was damaged by a drone (UAV).
According to the IAEA, the group of experts from this agency came to the External Radiation Control Laboratory (ERCL) and recorded that some meteorological monitoring equipment was damaged and no longer operating. Previously, the management of the Russian-controlled factory announced that this facility was attacked by UAVs.
The Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, Europe's largest nuclear power plant with 6 reactors, has been controlled by Russian forces since the early stages of the conflict in Ukraine. Since then, the parties have frequently accused each other of military actions that could affect the safety of the plant, which is located near the front lines.
The IAEA said that the facility has been attacked by UAVs many times since the conflict broke out. The plant management board affirmed that the damage this time is small and does not affect general operations, although the plant currently does not produce electricity.
One of the external power lines, necessary for cooling nuclear fuel, has been out of operation since the end of March. The IAEA is seeking to arrange a local ceasefire to carry out repairs.
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi called on the parties to "maximize military restraint" around nuclear facilities to avoid safety risks. The IAEA currently maintains a permanent presence of observers in Zaporizhzhia and 3 other nuclear power plants operating in Ukraine.
