Ukraine: UN Urges Restraint After Attack on Nuclear Power Plant
The UN's atomic watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), has condemned an attack on the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) in Russian-controlled territory in southeastern Ukraine on Sunday....
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Facts
- The UN's atomic watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), has condemned an attack on the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) in Russian-controlled territory in southeastern Ukraine on Sunday.[1]
- Confirming that one of the plant's six reactors was hit by three drones, Rafael Grossi, the IAEA director general, said: 'This cannot happen. I firmly appeal to military decision makers to abstain from any action violating the basic principles that protect nuclear facilities.'[2]
- Russia, which took control of the power plant in the first weeks of the war, blamed Ukraine for the drone attack, adding that three civilians were injured. Ukraine has denied responsibility.[3]
- 'This is a major escalation of the nuclear safety and security dangers facing the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant,' Grossi added. 'Such reckless attacks significantly increase the risk of a major nuclear accident and must cease immediately.'[1]
- While the ZNPP has not generated power since 2022, its reactors are in a state of 'hot conservation,' meaning that they still require cooling and that the plant is not fully off-line.[3]
- In a statement, the IAEA said there were no indications of damage to critical nuclear safety or security systems at the site. 'However, the military strikes were another stark reminder of persistent threats to the ZNPP and other nuclear facilities during the armed conflict.'[1]
- On Monday, operators at the ZNPP said that another drone was shot down over the facility, adding that the downed drone fell on the roof of one of the reactors. Meanwhile, Russia launched missile strikes at an industrial site in the city of Zaporizhzhia, located in Ukrainian-controlled territory.[4]
Sources: [1]Iaea, [2]France 24, [3]BBC News and [4]Guardian.
Narratives
- Pro-Ukraine narrative, as provided by Ukrainska Pravda. Ukraine had no involvement whatsoever in the attacks at the ZNPP. Russia, which is known to use false-flag operations, bears sole responsibility. The nuclear power plant would never have been put in danger if Russia hadn't launched an unprovoked war on Ukraine.
- Pro-Russia narrative, as provided by TASS. This a dangerous provocation on Ukraine's part — a fact verified by on-site IAEA staff who witnessed the attacks. This is a very dangerous tactic which risks tremendous long term consequences. The Kiev regime, unfortunately, is continuing its terrorist activity.
- Pro-establishment narrative, as provided by France 24. Irrespective of who was to blame for this incident, attacks like this on a nuclear power plant — the largest on the European continent at that — simply cannot be allowed to happen. There are basic principles of war that have to be abided by all sides involved in the conflict.
