Russian Nuclear Chief Blames Ukraine for Fatal Drone Strike at Zaporizhzhia Plant
Details of the Drone Attack and Its Aftermath
MOSCOW, June 18 (Reuters) - The head of Russia's state nuclear corporation Rosatom on Thursday accused Ukraine of killing a key worker in a drone attack on the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in southeastern Ukraine.
Immediate Reactions and Verification
There was no immediate response from Ukraine and Reuters could not independently verify the statement.
Background of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant
Russia took control of the plant, the largest nuclear power station in Europe, soon after its forces entered Ukraine in 2022 and both sides regularly accuse each other of endangering its safety with military action.
Statement from Rosatom Chief Alexei Likhachev
Alexei Likhachev, head of Rosatom, said in a statement that Ukrainian drones had attacked the nearby city of Enerhodar on Wednesday, where most of the station's employees live.
Casualties and Impact on Plant Operations
He said one power plant employee working at the station's central repair workshop had been killed and that doctors were fighting for the life of a second employee injured in the same attack.
Previous Incidents at the Plant
"This is the plant's core personnel, on whom the safe operation of equipment at Europe's largest nuclear power plant directly depends," Likhachev said. In April, Russia said another worker from the plant had been killed in a Ukrainian drone attack.
Reporting and Editorial Oversight
(Reporting by ReutersEditing by Andrew Osborn)
