Alexei Likhachev, chief of Russia’s state nuclear corporation, said the incident occurred on Friday, claiming Ukrainian forces launched several coordinated attacks on vehicles transporting diesel fuel to the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.
Likhachev said the strikes landed near the plant’s perimeter, raising concerns about the safety of the facility, which has remained at the centre of repeated disputes between Moscow and Kyiv since Russia seized control of it in the early stages of the war in February 2022.
According to Likhachev, two Russian servicemen were killed while several others were injured, with some reportedly in serious condition. He said the personnel were involved in supporting the delivery of fuel to the plant.
The Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, the largest nuclear facility in Europe, has six reactors and relies on diesel generators to maintain essential cooling systems when external electricity supplies are unavailable.
The plant experienced a prolonged loss of external power in August and September, with its two external power connections reportedly remaining offline for almost three weeks.
Ukraine has continued to demand that Russia withdraw from the facility and return control of the plant to Kyiv, while Moscow has rejected the call. The diesel fuel being delivered to the site is currently not being used to generate electricity.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog, maintains a permanent monitoring presence at the Zaporizhzhia plant, as well as at Ukraine’s three other operational nuclear facilities.
The agency has also intervened in disputes involving the plant, including helping to secure a temporary local ceasefire last month to facilitate repairs and the restoration of external power connections.
Goodness Anunobi
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