IAEA Reports Heavy Attack on Zaporizhzhia Thermal Power Plant on June 4
The IAEA reported a heavy attack on the Zaporizhzhia Thermal Power Plant on June 4, raising safety concerns for the Russian-occupied ZNPP. The attack threatens the ZNPP's power supply, crucial for reactor cooling. Ukraine denies responsibility, blaming Russia's occupation for the danger.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported a heavy attack on the Zaporizhzhia Thermal Power Plant on June 4, raising safety concerns for the nearby Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP).
The IAEA team at the site observed smoke and heard military activity. The thermal plant's switchyard provides critical electricity connections to the ZNPP, including its only remaining external power line. This line has been disconnected multiple times recently, forcing the ZNPP to rely on emergency diesel generators for reactor cooling.
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi expressed deep concern, urging an immediate halt to prevent extended power loss. The agency did not assign blame. Ukraine's Southern Defense Forces called Russian reports of Ukrainian strikes «manipulation,» stating Russia is shifting responsibility and that its occupation is the sole danger. Ukraine reiterated it does not target nuclear facilities and called for demilitarization and Russian withdrawal.