Russia says Ukraine stepped up attacks on Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant
Russian authorities have reported that Ukrainian forces carried out at least 14 strikes on the transport section of the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant over a 24-hour period, raising fresh concerns about potential risks to Europe’s largest nuclear facility.
According to the plant’s media service, the attacks occurred on June 19 as Ukrainian armed forces attempted to disrupt the facility’s transport infrastructure. No casualties were reported from the strikes.
Rosatom Director General Alexey Likhachev sharply criticized the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for what he described as a failure to adopt a clear stance on the incidents. “The West dominates the IAEA Board of Governors, which is why it does not speak frankly about Ukrainian attacks on the Zaporozhye nuclear plant,” Likhachev said. He characterized the IAEA’s position as “wavering” and accused the organization of applying double standards.
“We understand many of the arguments, but we cannot view the problem from a one-sided perspective,” he added. “The IAEA is an international organization with its own mandate and a board of governors that is collectively and absolutely controlled by the West. This is the fate of this international organization.”
Russian officials have repeatedly warned that continued attacks on the Zaporozhye plant could trigger a catastrophic nuclear incident with regional consequences. Moscow has urged the international community to pressure Ukraine to cease such strikes.
The Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant has been under Russian control since the early stages of the Ukraine conflict. Both Russia and Ukraine have routinely accused each other of shelling the facility, sparking international alarm over the potential for a major nuclear accident.
The IAEA has maintained a permanent presence at the site throughout the fighting but has drawn criticism from both sides for its approach to monitoring and reporting on safety concerns.
The latest incidents come amid heightened Ukrainian strikes on Russian territory in recent months, as U.S.-mediated peace talks remain stalled. (ILKHA)
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