Ukrainian Drone Attacks on Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant Spark IAEA Dispute
In May 2026, Ukrainian drones struck the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, damaging infrastructure and injuring workers, though critical reactors remained intact. Rosatom CEO Alexey Likhachev accused the IAEA of ignoring these daily attacks and bias in its reporting, contrasting them with agency statements on Ukrainian facilities. He announced upcoming July consultations to address escalating security risks and alleged intimidation of plant staff. The incidents highlight severe nuclear safety concerns amidst ongoing hostilities, with Moscow demanding international attention to prevent potential catastrophic failures at Europe’s largest nuclear facility.
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Strike cuts power to Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant: IAEA
An overnight strike on June 10, 2026, cut off external electricity supply to the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine, Europe's largest. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed no release of radioactivity and normal radiation levels. The plant is now relying on emergency diesel generators to cool its six shut-down reactors. The strike hit an electrical substation at 9:00 p.m. local time, marking the 19th loss of off-site power since the war began in February 2022. IAEA chief Rafael Grossi highlighted the extreme fragility of the electrical grid and constant nuclear safety dangers. The plant is preparing to repair its main power line, which has been offline since March 24. Both Russia and Ukraine have accused each other of risking a nuclear catastrophe with attacks near the plant.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Russian drone strike causes fire at Chernobyl nuclear waste storage facility
On June 7, 2026, a Russian drone attack struck the central spent fuel storage facility in the Chernobyl exclusion zone, approximately 15 kilometers from the reactor. The attack, which occurred on the night of June 6-7, caused a fire that spread over 40 square meters before being extinguished by emergency services. Ukrainian state-owned company Enerhoatom confirmed that no spent nuclear fuel was present at the time, and radiation levels remained within permissible limits, posing no immediate danger to the population. Remains of a Russian Shahed drone were found at the site. President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attack as a targeted strike on critical infrastructure, while the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) plans to send experts to assess the damage. The facility stores spent fuel from three Ukrainian nuclear power plants and became operational in the early 2020s, replacing previous shipments to Russia.
taz.de - taz.deRussian drone strikes nuclear fuel facility near Chernobyl, Ukraine says
Ukrainian officials reported on Sunday that a Russian Shahed drone struck a nuclear fuel storage facility near the Chernobyl site, the location of the 1986 nuclear disaster. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attack as 'extremely vile,' stating that the facility was hit by the drone. He indicated that Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Energy are responding to the incident. The strike raises concerns about nuclear safety in the region, though immediate details on damage or casualties were not provided. The attack marks a significant escalation near the Chernobyl exclusion zone, which has been under Russian control earlier in the war but is now held by Ukraine.
Just In NewsRussian drone strikes nuclear-fuel storage facility near Chornobyl, Ukraine says
On June 7, 2026, Ukrainian officials reported that a Russian drone struck a spent nuclear fuel storage facility near the disused Chornobyl power plant. According to Kyiv's General Staff and the state atomic agency, a container-receiving building was partially destroyed, but no spent fuel was stored there at the time of the attack. The resulting fire was extinguished, and no injuries were reported. Russia has not publicly commented on the incident. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha condemned the attack as part of Russia's systemic nuclear blackmail. The facility is located about 15 km from the Chornobyl plant, site of the 1986 nuclear disaster. This follows a February 2025 attack on the Chornobyl containment arch, for which Russia denied responsibility.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Ukraine: Russia is running nuclear terror campaign in Europe
On June 7, 2026, a Russian Shahed drone struck the container reception building at Ukraine's Centralized Spent Nuclear Fuel Storage Facility (TsSVYAP) near Buryakivka, Kyiv Oblast, approximately 15 km from the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant. The strike occurred at 2:10 a.m., causing a 40-square-meter fire that was extinguished within an hour. No spent nuclear fuel was stored in the damaged building, and radiation levels remained normal. Shahed drone wreckage was found on site, confirming Russian involvement. Ukrainian officials described the attack as part of a systematic campaign of nuclear terrorism, noting Russia's pattern of routing drones and missiles over nuclear facilities. The facility uses dry cask storage technology developed with Holtec International, which is highly resistant to impact, but the strike disrupts handling infrastructure.
The Defence Blog – Military and Defense NewsRussian drone strikes Ukraine's spent nuclear fuel storage facility near Chornobyl
A Russian drone struck the container reception building at Ukraine's Centralized Spent Nuclear Fuel Storage Facility (TsSVYAP) near the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant at 2:10 a.m. on June 7, 2026. Ukrainian nuclear operator Energoatom reported that no spent nuclear fuel was stored in the damaged building at the time, no personnel were injured, and radiation levels remained within normal limits. A fire covering approximately 40 square meters was quickly extinguished. The facility, built with U.S. company Holtec International, uses robust dry cask storage technology. Energoatom condemned the attack as nuclear terrorism, while Russia has previously denied responsibility for strikes on Ukrainian nuclear infrastructure. The incident adds to ongoing international concerns about deliberate attacks on nuclear facilities during the conflict.
The Defence Blog – Military and Defense NewsPower Restored at Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant After 15-Hour Outage
The external power supply to the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine failed for 15 hours, marking the 18th such incident since the start of the war. During the outage, the plant relied on emergency diesel generators to cool its six shutdown reactors. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) announced that the power line was restored after repairs, which were enabled by a limited ceasefire mediated by the IAEA between Ukraine and Russia. IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi highlighted the extreme vulnerability of the power grid and the urgency of the situation. The plant, Europe's largest, was temporarily connected to only one line before repairs added a second; prior to the war, it had ten lines. The plant has been repeatedly affected by acts of war, including a recent drone attack, with both Moscow and Kyiv blaming each other.
Nachrichten - WELTUkraine hits Russian energy targets and denies striking Kremlin-occupied nuclear plant
Ukraine denied Russian claims that a Ukrainian drone struck the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, as Kyiv launched fresh overnight strikes on Russian energy sites. Ukraine's General Staff confirmed drones hit the Saratov oil refinery in southwestern Russia, causing a large-scale fire, and struck a fuel depot in the Rostov region. Ukraine also targeted the Lazarevo pumping station in the Kirov region, over 1,200 km from Ukrainian-controlled territory. Russia's state nuclear company Rosatom alleged a Ukrainian kamikaze drone struck the turbine hall of the Zaporizhzhia plant, but Ukraine dismissed this as propaganda. The IAEA confirmed damage to the turbine building consistent with a drone impact but noted radiation levels remained normal. Ukraine has intensified attacks on Russian oil and gas facilities, arguing the energy sector funds and fuels Moscow's invasion.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Attack on Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant: Russia and Ukraine Trade Blame
On May 31, 2026, an attack occurred at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, Europe's largest nuclear facility with a 6,000 MW capacity. Russia's nuclear company Rosatom claimed a Ukrainian drone tore a hole in a turbine hall wall. Ukraine denied the accusation, stating it does not possess drones with the 5-6 kg cumulative explosive charge needed to create such damage. The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry called the Russian allegations an information campaign to divert attention from the illegal occupation of the plant. Ukraine also criticized Russia for denying unrestricted access to IAEA inspectors. The article notes that nuclear power plants are no longer exempt from war, referencing past drone incidents at Chernobyl and Ukrainian military operations near Zaporizhzhia in 2022 and 2025. The allegations remain unverified independently.
taz.de - taz.deDrone Attack Damages Turbine Hall at Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant
A drone attack on the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Russian-controlled southern Ukraine damaged the wall of a turbine building, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The incident has renewed international alarm over the safety of Europe's largest nuclear facility. The IAEA reported that the drone 'allegedly caused a hole in the wall,' but core areas were not damaged. Russia's Rosatom accused Ukraine of a deliberate attack, claiming the drone was controlled via fiber optic cable, ruling out an accidental hit. Ukraine's Foreign Ministry rejected the allegations, calling them disinformation and questioning why Ukraine would attack a plant it seeks to reclaim. Separately, Moscow-appointed plant management reported a Ukrainian drone attack on the plant's transport hub, destroying six buses and two minibuses. The plant's six reactors are shut down but still require electricity for cooling and safety systems. Both sides have repeatedly accused each other of risking a nuclear catastrophe since the Russian invasion began in February 2022.
Nachrichten - WELTDrone Strike on Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant Turbine Hall Raises IAEA Alarm
A drone strike hit the turbine hall of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine, creating a 'hole in the wall' and prompting the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to warn of massive risks. The IAEA has demanded immediate access to the affected area to assess damage and ensure nuclear safety. The incident, reported by WELT correspondent Ibrahim Naber, underscores ongoing dangers to the plant amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The turbine hall is a critical non-reactor structure, but any damage near a nuclear facility raises concerns about potential radiation release or operational safety. The IAEA has repeatedly called for a demilitarized zone around the plant, which has been under Russian control since early 2022.
Nachrichten - WELTDrone attack struck turbine building at Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, IAEA says
On May 30, 2026, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported that a drone struck a turbine building at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in southeastern Ukraine, causing a hole in its wall. The plant is currently under Russian control. IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi expressed serious concern, stating that attacking nuclear sites is 'like playing with fire.' The IAEA's team at the site has requested access to inspect the damaged turbine building firsthand. The incident raises renewed fears about nuclear safety amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant Operating Normally Amid Ukrainian Attacks on Energodar
The Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) continues to operate normally despite continuous attacks by Ukrainian armed forces on its satellite city, Energodar, which began on Sunday, May 24, 2026. Yevgenia Yashina, the NPP Communications Director, confirmed to TASS that all process parameters remain under control. A ZNPP spokeswoman reported that several vehicles were damaged in the attacks, but no casualties have been recorded so far. The plant, located in the Zaporozhye region of Ukraine but under Russian control since early in the conflict, remains a focal point of military tensions. The report comes from Russian state news agency TASS, which frames the attacks as ongoing Ukrainian military actions against civilian infrastructure.
TASSUkrainian forces continuously attacking Energodar since Sunday — Zaporozhye NPP
According to a report from TASS on May 25, 2026, the city of Energodar, which hosts the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP), has been under continuous attack by Ukrainian armed forces for a second consecutive day. Evgenia Yashina, the plant's Communications Director, stated that attacks occurred throughout the day and night on Sunday and continued into Monday morning, with explosions heard in various parts of the city. Several vehicles were damaged, but no casualties have been reported. Yashina added that there is no confirmed data yet on the number of drones used or the number of attacks foiled. The report comes amid ongoing military operations in the region, with the ZNPP remaining a focal point of security concerns.
TASSTASS: Ukrainian Shelling of Zaporozhye NPP Aimed at Psychological Pressure
According to Yevgenia Yashina, Communications Director of the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP), Ukrainian armed forces have intensified attacks around Energodar and the nuclear facility. Yashina stated that these actions, including recent artillery strikes and drone attempts, are designed not only to cause physical damage but also to exert psychological pressure on plant employees. Over the weekend, Ukrainian troops shelled the plant's transport shop, damaging the roof and personnel buses, though no casualties or fires were reported. Additionally, an attack on the Raduga substation was repelled when a drone was shot down before detonation. A separate drone crash occurred near the power units. Despite these incidents, ZNPP management asserts that the plant continues to operate normally, with process parameters under control and background radiation levels remaining within normal limits. The plant intends to show evidence of the attacks to International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) experts when security conditions allow. The report highlights the ongoing security risks facing the nuclear infrastructure amidst the broader conflict.
TASSZaporozhye NPP Reports Continuous Ukrainian Attacks on Energodar and Plant Site
The Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) reported continuous attacks by Ukrainian forces on the city of Energodar and the plant site over the weekend, utilizing both artillery and drones. ZNPP Communications Director Yevgenia Yashina stated that while the situation was tense, there were no casualties resulting from the strikes. However, civilian infrastructure suffered damage, including broken windows and roofs in residential buildings, as well as damage to vehicles. Specific incidents included an artillery strike on the plant's transport shop on May 17, which damaged the roof and personnel buses, and a drone attack on the Raduga substation. Additionally, a drone struck Kindergarten No. 10 in Energodar, and another detonated in a residential parking lot, damaging approximately 15 apartment windows and eight cars. Despite these attacks, Yashina confirmed that the nuclear plant remains under control, operating normally with all technological processes supervised by specialists. No operational safety violations were detected, and radiation levels remain within normal limits. The plant administration characterized the strikes on transport infrastructure as attempts to undermine operational integrity.
TASSZaporozhye NPP and Energodar Face Increased Ukrainian Troop Activity and Attacks
According to Yevgenia Yashina, Communications Director of the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP), Ukrainian military forces significantly increased their activity around Energodar and facilities linked to the power plant's operations over the recent weekend. Yashina reported that attacks have been occurring continuously, involving both artillery shelling and drone strikes targeting infrastructure and surrounding areas. Specific incidents included artillery fire directed at the plant’s transport workshop, which handles critical logistics for personnel and equipment movement, and a UAV attack on the Raduga substation. Additionally, a Ukrainian drone crashed near the plant’s power units. Yashina stated that these actions appear designed not only to damage physical infrastructure and undermine operational stability but also to exert psychological pressure on the station’s staff and local residents. The transport department was highlighted as a key target due to its role in maintaining internal plant operations. This report underscores the ongoing security risks facing the nuclear facility amidst the broader conflict, with Russian authorities characterizing the strikes as attempts to destabilize the region's critical energy infrastructure and intimidate the civilian population in the satellite city.
TASSZaporozhye NPP Raduga Substation Attacked by Ukrainian Drone; No Damage Reported
On May 17, 2026, the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) reported that a Ukrainian drone attempted to attack the facility's Raduga substation. According to statements released on the plant's Telegram channel, air defense systems successfully intercepted and shot down the drone in midair before it could reach its target. The drone did not detonate, and no damage was inflicted upon the substation infrastructure. However, the ZNPP also disclosed that Ukrainian troops conducted a separate attack on the facility's transport shop. This strike resulted in damage to the building's roof and several personnel buses. Despite these incidents, plant authorities confirmed that the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant continues to operate under routine conditions. All technical parameters remain within controlled limits, and monitoring indicates that the radiation background levels are stable and within established norms. The report highlights ongoing security challenges at the nuclear facility amidst the broader conflict, emphasizing the resilience of the plant's operational status despite external threats to its auxiliary infrastructure.
TASSRussian Nuclear Chief Details Ukrainian Drone Attacks on Zaporozhye Plant
Aleksey Likhachev, CEO of Russia's state nuclear corporation Rosatom, reported that Ukrainian military forces launched at least two drone attacks on the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) within a single week. One incident involved a kamikaze drone striking a vehicle carrying plant employees just 100 meters from the facility, resulting in moderate to serious injuries for two workers. Likhachev stated that combat drones hindered ambulance access, making the evacuation resemble a military operation. Another drone targeted a pipeline near the reactors but failed to detonate. The Rosatom chief criticized the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for allegedly ignoring daily attacks on the plant and civilian infrastructure. He noted that the facility has been operating on a single power line for two months, facing frequent blackouts. Moscow plans to address these security concerns during upcoming consultations with the IAEA in July. The article highlights escalating tensions and warnings from Moscow regarding the potential for a nuclear catastrophe due to continued strikes on the plant, which is currently under Russian control.
RT - Daily newsRosatom CEO: Ukraine Sows Panic in Energodar, Threatening Nuclear Plant Safety
Alexey Likhachev, the CEO of Rosatom, stated that Ukrainian forces are intentionally spreading panic in Energodar to disrupt ordinary peaceful life and undermine the operational safety of the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant. Speaking to reporters in Moscow, Likhachev argued that intimidation tactics are specifically aimed at plant employees, making their commute to work a dangerous endeavor akin to a military special operation. He highlighted that staff face significant risks to their lives and health due to combat drone attacks on plant facilities. Likhachev posed a rhetorical question regarding how safe operation can be maintained under such conditions, emphasizing that Europe's largest nuclear power plant is being directly compromised by these actions. The report underscores the Russian perspective that civilian fear and targeted harassment of technical staff are strategic moves by Kyiv that jeopardize nuclear security. This statement comes amidst ongoing tensions and infrastructure challenges, including recent issues with power line repairs feeding the station.
TASS