IAEA Warns of Safety Concerns at Zaporizhzhia Plant

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has raised alarms over the deteriorating safety conditions at Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant following a recent drone strike. The facility, under Russian control since March 2022, has been the center of escalating tensions, with both Russia and Ukraine blaming each other for military actions in the area. The IAEA reported that an explosive drone detonated near critical infrastructure, including a cooling water sprinkler and the sole power line supplying electricity to the plant, although no casualties or damage to nuclear equipment were reported. IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi expressed deep concern over the situation, urging all parties to exercise maximum restraint and adhere to established safety principles for the plant. The agency noted that military activity around Zaporizhzhia has intensified, with frequent explosions and gunfire reported in the vicinity. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the actions of Russian forces, accusing them of using the plant as a tool for blackmail against Ukraine and Europe. In a related development, Ukraine has launched a significant offensive into Russia's Kursk region, destroying two strategic bridges to disrupt Russian supply lines. This marks the largest incursion into Russian territory since the onset of the conflict in 2022. Ukrainian military officials have reported successful airstrikes, significantly impacting Russian logistical capabilities. As tensions escalate, the IAEA continues to monitor the situation closely, emphasizing the vulnerability of nuclear facilities in conflict zones and the urgent need for international oversight to ensure safety and security.