Russian Defense Ministry Claims Foiled Ukrainian Drone Attack on Nuclear Facility
The Russian Defense Ministry has reported that an attempted drone strike by Ukraine on the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant was thwarted. According to the ministry, the incident occurred on Sunday when Ukrainian forces allegedly deployed eight drones targeting the facility, which is currently under Russian control.
In a statement released on Monday, officials claimed that all incoming unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) were intercepted and destroyed by Russian air defense systems. The ministry further indicated that one of the drones landed on the roof of a building within the plant, resulting in an explosion upon impact. Fortunately, there were no injuries or significant damage reported from the incident.
The Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant, recognized as the largest in Europe, has been the focus of heightened tensions since the onset of the conflict in Ukraine in 2022. The facility's operational status remains unaffected, according to Russian officials. The international community has expressed concerns regarding the safety of the plant, given its proximity to active conflict zones.
Since the plant's capture by Russian forces early in the Ukraine conflict, both Moscow and Kiev have accused each other of endangering the site. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has maintained a presence at the facility to monitor the situation and ensure compliance with safety protocols.
In a related development, Russian President Vladimir Putin highlighted the ongoing risks posed by Ukrainian military actions against the nuclear plant during a recent forum in September 2024. He described these actions as potentially leading to catastrophic consequences.
Recent reports from UN inspectors indicated that their operations at the Zaporozhye facility had been disrupted on multiple occasions due to drone threats, raising alarms about the security situation. Members of the IAEA's permanent mission have noted hearing explosions and other signs of military activities in the vicinity of the power plant, indicating a volatile environment.
