The cooling tower of the Sapporo nuclear power plant is severely damaged
Russia blames Ukrainian drone attacks for a fire at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. Moscow reports heavy damage to the cooling tower. However, Kyiv denies the accusations and presents an alternative theory for the fire.
The Ukrainian nuclear power plant in Zaporizhzhia, under Russian control, has been severely damaged by a fire and needs repairs. Alexei Likhachev, head of the Russian state nuclear corporation Rosatom, said the three-hour fire caused heavy damage to cooling towers, according to the Russian news agency Interfax. It's unclear if the damage can be repaired or if one of the towers needs to be replaced. Neither Russia nor Ukraine has reported increased radioactive radiation.
Europe's largest nuclear power plant, with six reactors in southern Ukraine, is located in areas captured by Russian troops. It has been disconnected from the grid, but fuel rods still need to be cooled. It is operated under Russian management.
Likhachev accused Ukraine of starting the fire with two drone attacks on Sunday evening. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, however, blamed Russia for setting the fire. The state-owned Ukrainian energy provider Energoatom said the fire was likely caused by negligence or arson, confirming damage to one of the cooling towers and equipment.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported seeing thick smoke rising from the northern part of the vast facility after several explosions. "These reckless attacks jeopardize nuclear safety at the site and increase the risk of a nuclear accident. They must stop immediately," warned IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi. He called for immediate access for IAEA experts to the damaged tower.
- The European Union, concerned about the escalating situation, has urged both Russia and Ukraine to ensure the safety and security of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, which is a significant European energy source.
- Discussions regarding the potential return of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant to international safety standards have been brought up in the European Union, emphasizing the importance of preventing any further damage to the facility.
