IAEA reports drone explosion 800 meters from South Ukraine NPP
According to Ukrinform, this was stated by IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi.
“Once again drones are flying far too close to nuclear power plants, putting nuclear safety at risk. Fortunately, last night’s incident did not result in any damage to the South Ukraine Nuclear Power Plant itself. Next time we may not be so luckA team from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) stationed at the site recorded the downing and explosion of a Russian drone just 800 meters from the perimeter of the South Ukraine Nuclear Power Plant (NPP).y. I continue to urge both sides to show maximum military restraint around all important nuclear facilities,” Director General Grossi said.
As noted, the IAEA team received reports from plant personnel that 22 unmanned aerial vehicles were observed in the monitoring zone late last night and early this morning, with some approaching as close as 500 meters to the facility.
“From their accommodation near the plant, IAEA team members heard gunfire and explosions around 01:00 am local time and today they visited the location where one of the drones had come down, observing a crater measuring four square meters at the surface and with a depth of around one meter,” the statement reads.
According to the IAEA team, nearby metal structures had been hit by shrapnel and the windows of vehicles close to the impact area were shattered. A 150 kilovolt regional power line was also damaged, though it was not connected to the NPP and there was no direct impact on nuclear safety and security.
The South Ukraine Nuclear Power Plant is one of three operational nuclear power stations in Ukraine. All three of its reactors are currently running at full capacity, the IAEA notes.
As previously reported by Ukrinform, in August the South Ukraine NPP hosted a rotation of IAEA experts. The 45th mission began its work on-site, replacing colleagues who had completed a three-week deployment.
Photo credit: IAEA
