Russia Shoots Down 9 Ukrainian Drones Near Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant, Raising Concerns of Nuclear Disaster
In a concerning development, Russian forces have shot down nine Ukrainian drones near the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, heightening fears of a potential nuclear disaster. The Zaporizhzhia plant, Europe’s largest atomic power facility, has been under Russian control since early March 2022. It houses six Soviet-designed reactors containing Uranium 235, with four reactors currently shut down and two in hot shutdown mode, as confirmed by the Russian operator of the plant.
The recent drone attack occurred near the Russian-held city of Enerhodar, where many plant workers reside, in an alleged attempt to disrupt the rotation of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) staff. Russia’s defense ministry informed that its air defenses successfully intercepted and brought down the Ukrainian drones. Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for Russia’s foreign ministry, accused Kyiv of playing with fire and engaging in criminal and irresponsible provocations.
Russia has proposed that the IAEA rotate its staff monitoring the Zaporizhzhia plant exclusively through Russian-held territory, a suggestion Zakharova urged the agency to consider. The IAEA has yet to respond to this proposal, and Ukraine has not offered an immediate comment.
The IAEA has consistently emphasized that the Zaporizhzhia plant’s nuclear safety remains extremely fragile, averting a potential catastrophe. Following the deployment of Russian troops into Ukraine, Russia seized control of the Zaporizhzhia station. Both Ukraine and Russia have accused each other of attacking the facility, further adding to the tensions.
In response to Russia’s actions, the United States has imposed extensive new measures, targeting Moscow’s future energy capabilities, sanctions evasion, and a suicide drone that has posed a significant threat to Ukrainian troops and equipment. These comprehensive sanctions encompass numerous individuals and entities. Specifically, the latest measures aim at a major entity involved in the development, operation, and ownership of the Arctic-2 LNG project in Siberia, which is expected to export liquefied natural gas.
As the situation unfolds, concerns surrounding the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant persist. The shooting down of Ukrainian drones near the facility has raised alarm bells, particularly considering the delicate nature of nuclear power and the potential for catastrophic consequences. The international community will be closely monitoring the developments and the response by relevant authorities to ensure the safety and stability of the region.
