Russian nuclear power corporation Rosatom has pointed fingers at Ukraine's military, alleging a series of assaults on the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station under Russian control, according to a report by Reuters.
The U.N.'s nuclear watchdog has intervened, urging an immediate cessation of such incidents.
Ukraine Refutes Russia's Allegations
According to Rosatom, three individuals sustained injuries, one of them severe, as a result of the alleged attacks.
Russia has called upon global leaders to condemn these actions, emphasizing that radiation levels remain normal and the damage inflicted is not extensive, a sentiment echoed by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
However, a Ukrainian intelligence official refuted any involvement from Kyiv's side, suggesting that the attacks might have originated from within the Russian ranks.
Rosatom detailed the sequence of events, citing an initial strike near a canteen that resulted in injuries to staff members, followed by subsequent drone attacks on a cargo loading area and the dome of the sixth reactor.
The corporation condemned the assaults and urged IAEA chief Rafael Grossi and the European Union to take immediate action to address the safety threat.
Russia Accuses Ukraine of "Nuclear Terrorism"
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova labeled the incidents as "nuclear terrorism," calling for swift condemnation from world leaders. She criticized Ukraine's president, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, accusing him of perpetuating a dangerous game.
However, Ukraine's HUR Main Intelligence Directorate spokesperson, Andriy Usov, refuted these claims to Reuters, attributing the attacks to Russian aggression and labeling them as criminal acts.
The IAEA, with its experts on-site, confirmed the occurrence of a single casualty and expressed concern over potential damage to the reactor's containment system.
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi stressed the gravity of the situation, denouncing the attacks on critical nuclear infrastructure.
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