Russia says Ukrainian drone strikes Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant
"The explosion caused no damage to the primary equipment; however, it tore a hole in the turbine hall wall."
A drone strike reported by Russia at the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant has revived fears around the safety of Europe’s largest nuclear facility, even as officials said critical equipment was not damaged.
Rosatom, Russia’s state nuclear energy company, said a Ukrainian drone hit the turbine hall of Power Unit No. 6 and exploded, leaving a hole in the wall but sparing the plant’s main systems.
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“This afternoon, a Ukrainian kamikaze combat drone struck the turbine hall building of Power Unit No. 6, resulting in a subsequent detonation,” Rosatom’s head Alexei Likhachev said in a statement.
“The explosion caused no damage to the primary equipment; however, it tore a hole in the turbine hall wall.”
Ukraine did not immediately comment on the claim. Mr Likhachev described the strike as “deliberate”.
The plant has repeatedly found itself in the line of fire during the four-year-long war, stoking recurring warnings about the risk of a nuclear accident.
“We are one step closer to an incident that will most likely affect even those who live far beyond the borders of Russia and Ukraine and still think they are completely safe,” Mr Likhachev said.
The reported strike came as Moscow said Ukrainian drones also targeted a tanker and an oil depot in southern Russia today, sparking fires but causing no casualties.
Kyiv has launched drones into Russia as far as the Urals
Ukraine has intensified its campaign against Russian oil infrastructure, inflicting notable damage.
In recent weeks, Kyiv has sent drones deep into Russian territory, reaching as far as the Urals, as Moscow’s full-scale offensive against Ukraine grinds through its fifth year.
Yuri Slyusar, governor of the southern Rostov region, said an oil tanker was struck in the port of Taganrog and that emergency crews had put out the resulting fire.
“No fuel oil leaks have been reported. There are no casualties,” he said on Telegram.
Mr Slyusar said about 50 drones were shot down over the Rostov region overnight. He added that no deaths were reported.
Taganrog lies near eastern Ukraine and the Russian-occupied city of Mariupol.
Officials in the neighbouring Krasnodar region said a drone attack also set an oil terminal ablaze in the city of Armavir, again reporting no casualties.
Russia also said Ukrainian drones killed two people in its border Belgorod region, an area that is regularly struck by cross-border fire.
Russia’s Ukraine offensive has developed into Europe’s bloodiest conflict since World War II.
