The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant’s distribution facility was the target of kamikaze drone attacks, Russia has informed the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
According to the Russian report, their electronic warfare systems intercepted unmanned aerial vehicles carrying explosives on June 8 and 9 as they approached the facility.
The IAEA statement reads:
“Separately, the Russian Federation, which currently controls the plant, informed in a letter to Director General Grossi that there had been “incoming strikes with the use of kamikaze drones” on Thursday and again today against the electric switchyard of the ZTPP, which in the past has been used for providing back-up electricity to the ZNPP until the last such 330 kilovolt (kV) power line was damaged more than three months ago.
Director General Grossi said the IAEA expects to independently assess this information, which requires accessing the ZTPP switchyard.
Under the five basic principles for protecting the ZNPP unveiled by Director General Grossi at the United Nations Security Council on 30 May, there should be no attack from or against the plant. In addition, the plant should not be used as storage or a base for heavy weapons and off-site power to the plant should not be put at risk.”
While concerns have been raised by the IAEA and other experts about the developing situation of the war in the area, the situation at the power plant remains stable, with the cooling ponds full even after the destruction of the nearby Kakhovka hydroelectric dam, which flooded the surrounding area.
See the entire International Atomic Energy Agency statement here.
Below are the alleged photos of the downed UAVs:
