Explosions and heavy smoke were reported on Saturday in the vicinity of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, Europe’s largest nuclear facility, intensifying fears over nuclear safety amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.

According to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), its monitoring team stationed at the plant—under Russian occupation since March 2022—observed plumes of smoke rising from an auxiliary facility approximately 1,200 meters from the plant’s perimeter. The site was reportedly struck by shelling and drone attacks beginning around 9 a.m. local time, coinciding with heightened military activity in the area.

IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi expressed grave concern, warning that “any attack near a nuclear power plant, regardless of the target, poses serious risks to nuclear safety and must be avoided.” He reiterated calls for maximum military restraint to prevent a potential nuclear incident, underscoring the ongoing dangers posed by the conflict.

Ukrainian authorities reported that while the plant’s critical infrastructure remains undamaged, the auxiliary facility sustained significant structural damage. Unconfirmed reports indicated two injuries among facility staff. Ukraine’s Energy Ministry condemned the incident, accusing Russian forces of targeting energy infrastructure to destabilize the region.

Russian officials denied endangering the nuclear plant, claiming the strikes were aimed at Ukrainian military positions near the facility.

The explosions come amid reports that Russian forces are intensifying efforts to integrate the Zaporizhzhia plant into Russia’s energy grid. A May 2025 Greenpeace report, cited by The New York Times, noted that satellite imagery shows over 80 kilometers of high-voltage power lines constructed along the Sea of Azov coastline since February 2025, linking occupied cities like Mariupol and Berdyansk. Experts believe these lines may connect to a major substation near Mariupol, potentially enabling the plant—located about 225 kilometers away—to supply electricity to Russian-controlled territories.

Grossi urged all sides to prioritize de-escalation, warning that “continued military actions near the plant could lead to catastrophic consequences.” The IAEA has called for an urgent investigation into the incident’s impact on nuclear safety.

The United Nations is expected to address the matter in emergency talks scheduled for later this week. (ILKHA)