Meteorological monitoring equipment at the Russian‑controlled Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant has been knocked out of service after a drone strike, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed on Monday, renewing concerns over the safety of Europe’s largest nuclear facility.
The plant, seized by Russian forces in the early days of the February 2022 invasion, sits perilously close to the front line in southeastern Ukraine. For more than two years, Moscow and Kyiv have traded accusations over attacks that could jeopardize the stability of the six‑reactor complex.
IAEA experts inspected the site’s External Radiation Control Laboratory after Russian-installed managers reported a drone hit. According to the agency, the team found damage to meteorological monitoring systems that are now inoperable. The equipment plays a key role in tracking environmental conditions that influence radiation dispersion in the event of an incident.
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi issued another urgent call for “maximum military restraint near all nuclear facilities,” stressing that any strike no matter how minor carries unacceptable risk.
Although the plant no longer generates electricity, it has been struck multiple times by drones since the conflict began. Management said the latest damage was limited and did not affect overall operations. Still, the facility remains vulnerable: one of its external power lines, essential for cooling nuclear fuel, has been offline since late March. The IAEA said last week it is working to negotiate a localized ceasefire to allow repair crews safe access.
Grossi has visited the Zaporizhzhia plant several times since it fell under Russian control, and the agency maintains a permanent presence there as well as at Ukraine’s three other operating nuclear stations.
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