Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant Safety at Risk After Strike

The safety situation at Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) is rapidly deteriorating following a drone strike near its perimeter, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The strike occurred close to essential cooling water sprinkler ponds and about 100 meters from the only remaining high-voltage power line supplying the plant. IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi has called for maximum restraint from all sides and adherence to established safety principles. Both Russia and Ukraine have blamed each other for the incident, adding to ongoing tensions since Russia seized the plant in early 2022. The plant has been under repeated attacks, and military activity in the area has heightened in recent weeks. Despite the damage from the drone strike, there were no casualties or impacts on critical equipment.