IAEA concerned about military attack near Europe's largest nuclear plant

Inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported artillery shelling near the Zaporozhye nuclear plant, Europe's largest, leading them to believe the security of the entire region could be at stake.

According to official statements, the IAEA team on site heard multiple rounds of incoming and outgoing projectiles in the vicinity of the complex. The plant itself reported that two projectiles landed just 1.25 km from the site perimeter.

This attack adds to an energy crisis that already threatens the safe operation of the plant: for nearly two weeks, Zaporozhye has been without external power, forcing the use of emergency generators to maintain cooling of the reactors and other critical systems.

Rafael Grossi , Director General of the IAEA, warned that these conditions increase the risk of a nuclear accident. He emphasized that the plant, although not currently producing electricity, still requires continuous power to ensure its stability.

The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has already turned the Zaporozhye complex into a permanent risk zone. Since 2022, the facility has been under Russian control, while both sides accuse each other of using close fire and sabotaging power lines.

The IAEA maintains an observation mission at the site, but its scope of action is limited in a context of active combat. The agency demands the creation of a demilitarized zone around the plant and an immediate cessation of bombing near sensitive nuclear areas.

The implications of a direct attack would not only affect Ukraine or Russia, but could have cross-border consequences: radioactive contamination, mass evacuations, and an ecological crisis. Europe is watching with concern.

To save the plant from catastrophe, experts agree that external power must be restored as quickly as possible, safe access to the site must be guaranteed, and all parties to the conflict must respect the peaceful and inviolable nature of the nuclear infrastructure.