Russian drone ‘severely’ damages IAEA vehicle in Zaporizhzhia

A Russian drone struck a vehicle belonging to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Zaporizhzhia near an active nuclear power plant, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Dec. 10. 

The Vienna-based IAEA, which acts as the world’s center for cooperation in the nuclear field, confirmed the incident but did not specify the origin of the drone.

IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi condemned the attack, calling it “unacceptable,” while stressing that the agency’s staff is working to prevent a nuclear disaster amid the ongoing war, which is entering its third year.

The IAEA vehicle was “severely damaged,” but fortunately, no personnel were injured. The staff members were en route to rotate personnel at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP), which has been under Russian occupation for nearly three years.

Zelenskyy said this attack clearly showed Russia’s disregard for international law, institutions, and security.

“The Russians knew exactly what they were targeting. They acted deliberately,” Zelenskyy said. “Silence or inaction will only encourage further crimes.” 

Ukraine’s second war-time president called for a “clear and decisive response” from the IAEA and the international community.

The United States condemned the attack on the IAEA vehicle, with U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink emphasizing that such actions threaten global nuclear security.

Since Russia’s occupation of the ZNPP in March 2022, the facility has effectively been transformed from a peaceful nuclear site into a military base. The occupiers have stored explosives, launched drones from there, and deployed military equipment at the plant. 

Additionally, the plant’s power supply is at constant risk due to Russian shelling damaging power lines, with the facility regularly faces the threat of a blackout that could cause a nuclear fallout.

Since the occupation, the IAEA has sent regular missions to assess nuclear safety at the plant.

In October, it was revealed that the IAEA had financed Russian state scientific research in the illegally occupied Crimean Peninsula.