Ukrainian Drone Strikes Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant, Raising Safety Concerns
Incident Overview and Implications
Details of the Drone Strike
MOSCOW, May 30 (Reuters) - Russia's state nuclear energy company Rosatom said on Saturday a Ukrainian drone had struck the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, Europe's largest, causing no damage to key equipment, but leaving a hole in the wall of a turbine hall.
Statement from Rosatom
"This afternoon, a Ukrainian kamikaze combat drone struck the turbine hall building of Power Unit No. 6, resulting in a subsequent detonation," Rosatom's head Alexei Likhachev said in a statement.
"The explosion caused no damage to the primary equipment; however, it tore a hole in the turbine hall wall."
Reactions and Attribution
There was no immediate comment from Ukraine. Likhachev called the incident "deliberate".
Background of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant
Control and Location
The Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant was captured by Russia in March 2022 and remains close to the frontline in the southeastern Ukrainian Zaporizhzhia region.
Previous Incidents and Ongoing Risks
It has occasionally come under fire during the four-year-long war, raising fears of a nuclear accident at the facility.
Potential Global Impact
"We are one step closer to an incident that will most likely affect even those who live far beyond the borders of Russia and Ukraine and still think they are completely safe," Likhachev said.
Reporting Credits
(Reporting by Anastasia Lyrchikova. Writing by Felix Light. Editing by Mark Potter)
