On November 2, Russia raised alarm over what it considers a nuclear disaster risk as nine Ukrainian drones were reportedly downed by Russian forces in the vicinity of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear station, Europe’s largest atomic power plant.

The Zaporizhzhia plant, under Russian control since March 2022, features six Soviet-designed VVER-1000 V-320 water-cooled and water-moderated reactors housing Uranium 235. Currently, four reactors are non-operational, while two, specifically Reactors No. 4 and No. 5, are in a state of ‘hot shutdown,’ as confirmed by the Russian plant operator.

In response to these developments, Russia’s defense ministry issued a statement, accusing the Kyiv regime of engaging in provocations aimed at creating a potential disaster threat at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. The ministry also expressed concerns about disrupting the rotation of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) personnel working at the facility.

Russian air defense forces reportedly intercepted and brought down nine Ukrainian drones in the vicinity of Enerhodar, a city under Russian control.

The IAEA, an international nuclear watchdog, has consistently emphasized the fragility of nuclear safety at the Zaporizhzhia plant. The agency has reiterated that, so far, the world has been fortunate to avoid a nuclear accident at this facility.

The Zaporizhzhia plant fell under Russian control after Russia’s incursion into Ukraine in 2022, and since then, both Ukraine and Russia have accused each other of incidents and attacks related to the power plant.

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