Fear of nuclear disaster after Ukrainian drone strike on reactor [Video]

The UN’s atomic watchdog agency has condemned a Ukrainian drone strike on one of six nuclear reactors at the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine, saying such attacks “significantly increase the risk of a major nuclear accident.”

Rafael Mariano Grossi, director-general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, confirmed at least three direct hits against the ZNPP main reactor containment structures took place.

“This cannot happen,” he said.

In a statement on social media platform X, he said it was the first such attack since November 2022, when he set out five basic principles to avoid a serious nuclear accident with radiological consequences.

Officials at the plant said the site was attacked today by Ukrainian military drones, including a strike on the dome of the plant’s sixth power unit.

According to the plant authorities, there was no critical damage or …