Ukraine military denies ‘deliberate’ drone strike on Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, Russia alleges damage

What happened

Russia’s state nuclear energy company Rosatom reported that a Ukrainian kamikaze drone struck the turbine hall of Power Unit No. 6 at the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, causing a hole in the wall and triggering a detonation, but reportedly no damage to key equipment. Rosatom’s head Alexei Likhachev described the strike as “deliberate.”

The central claim remains unconfirmed in the supplied material and should be treated as hearsay until corroborated by another reliable source or a named official. The Zaporizhzhia plant, Europe’s largest nuclear facility, is under Russian control since March 2022 and is located near active frontlines in southeastern Ukraine. Kyiv’s military forcefully denied the claim, labeling it “yet another propaganda ploy” and stating their forces did not strike power unit No. 6. The Ukrainian military emphasized their compliance with international humanitarian law and noted there was no fighting or weapons use in the area at the time.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed it had been informed by the plant of a drone strike on a turbine building and expressed serious concern. IAEA chief Rafael Grossi said attacking nuclear sites is “like playing with fire” and the agency has requested access to inspect the affected building.

Known from the source

• Rosatom reported a Ukrainian drone struck the turbine hall of Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, causing a hole and a detonation but no key equipment damage.
• The Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant has been controlled by Russia since March 2022 and is near active fighting in southeastern Ukraine.
• Kyiv’s military denied conducting the strike and stated no weapons were used near the plant during the incident.
• The IAEA was informed about the strike and expressed serious concern, requesting access for inspection.
• Russian officials reported Ukrainian drone strikes caused fires at oil depots in Rostov and Krasnodar regions.

What remains unclear

Meanwhile, Russian officials reported Ukrainian drone strikes caused fires at oil facilities in their Rostov and Krasnodar regions, hitting depots in Taganrog and Armavir. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy commented on these attacks as returning the war to Russian territory, reflecting ongoing strikes on critical infrastructure beyond frontlines.

What remains unclear: Confirm whether the central claim is corroborated; until then treat it as unconfirmed/hearsay. Verify independent confirmation of physical damage to Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant beyond Rosatom’s statement. Confirm details of the drone strike timing and location from multiple sources including possible IAEA inspection outcomes. Check for corroboration of Ukrainian military denial and any battlefield reports from neutral observers.

Evidence note

This story contains report-led claims. The article keeps those claims attributed and treats them as unconfirmed/hearsay unless independently corroborated.

Original source: The Guardian Ukraine. Open the source.