Intense artillery fire observed near Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, smoke plume detected
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) recorded shelling near the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) on Tuesday, 16 September. The incident, which took place at around 14:30 local time, was accompanied by intermittent explosions for almost two hours from 13:26 local time, according to the observation mission.
The specific perpetrator of the shots is not explicitly stated in the available information. However, there were reports of drone attacks on a training center outside the plant, with Ukrainian forces attempting to retake the site. The IAEA noted the risks and frequency of drone incidents in the area.
Six of the seven power transmission lines of the ZNPP have been compromised, leaving only one functioning line outside the site. On a previous day, artillery shells landed on territory outside the ZNPP, approximately 400 metres from the diesel fuel storage facility.
Black smoke was observed rising from three locations near the ZNPP. Observers were unable to inspect the scene due to the dangerous situation but plan to do so on Wednesday morning if conditions allow.
The ZNPP's six reactors have been in cold shutdown since spring 2024 but still require cooling water for their safety systems, reactor cores, and spent fuel pools. On 4 July, Russian forces caused a blackout at the ZNPP by striking a transmission line connecting the plant with Ukraine's unified power grid.
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi stated that the latest incident highlights "continuous nuclear safety risks during the military conflict". Grossi has called for maximum military restraint near the ZNPP. On 10 August, the External Crisis Centre of the Zaporizhzhia NPP was damaged in a Russian attack. The IAEA reported difficulties in ensuring a reliable supply of water for cooling the reactors at the ZNPP on 13 August.
Despite these challenges, the power lines connecting the ZNPP to the Ukrainian power grid were later reported to be operating normally, providing reliable external power to the plant to ensure radiation safety. However, the IAEA experts have been denied access to the newly constructed dam on the channel of one of the cooling ponds of the ZNPP.
The IAEA's report was an update on the ongoing situation at the ZNPP, which has been occupied by Russia. The latest incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining peace and stability around nuclear facilities, especially during times of conflict.
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