The International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed that two employees were killed in separate drone attacks near the Zaporizhzhia nuclear facility.
Key facts
- •The IAEA confirmed two separate drone attacks on Nov. 9 that resulted in the deaths of two power plant employees.
- •One victim was an employee at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, and the other worked at the nearby Zaporizhzhia Thermal Power Plant.
- •IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi stated that the attacks violate indispensable nuclear safety pillars.
- •The Zaporizhzhia nuclear facility has been under Russian control since March 2022 and has faced recurring safety threats.
- •The IAEA reported a previous drone-related death of a plant welder in late October.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) announced on Nov. 9 that an employee of the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant was killed in a drone attack. A second employee at the nearby Zaporizhzhia Thermal Power Plant was also killed in a separate drone strike on the same day. IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi condemned the strikes, stating they violate nuclear safety pillars.
Ongoing Safety Concerns at the Facility
The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, located in Enerhodar, is Europe's largest nuclear facility and has been under Russian occupation since March 2022. The plant has faced repeated security threats, including drone attacks, power supply disruptions, and incidents involving staff members. On Nov. 8, the facility lost its sole 330-kilovolt external power line for approximately 10 hours, requiring the use of emergency diesel generators. The IAEA has maintained a permanent presence at the site since September 2022. While the plant's six reactors have been shut down since 2022, the agency continues to monitor the site amid regular accusations between Russia and Ukraine regarding responsibility for attacks near the facility.
History of Personnel Incidents
The recent deaths are part of a series of incidents affecting plant personnel. In late October, a welder at the nuclear plant's repair workshop was killed in a drone attack. Additionally, a drone explosion at a bus stop used by plant staff in August resulted in one death and 15 injuries. The IAEA did not identify which side was responsible for the latest drone strikes.
Timeline
- March 2022Russian forces captured the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant.
- AugustA drone explosion at a bus stop used by plant personnel killed one person and injured 15 others.
- Oct. 3Drone attacks damaged transformers at the Zaporizhzhia Thermal Power Plant.
- Late OctoberA drone attack killed a welder working at the nuclear plant's repair workshop.
- Nov. 8The nuclear plant lost its sole 330-kV external power line for approximately 10 hours.
- Nov. 9The IAEA announced that two employees were killed in separate drone attacks.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Kyiv Independent, The Moscow Times.
