The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP), Ukraine’s largest nuclear site, faced renewed danger on August 2 when explosions rang out near its perimeter. As the war between Russia and Ukraine continues to escalate, the recent missile strikes near the ZNPP have triggered urgent warnings from nuclear watchdogs. Both the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and Ukrainian officials confirmed that the attack occurred dangerously close—just 1.2 kilometers from the plant’s boundary.
Explosion Near Auxiliary Facility
IAEA officials stationed at the ZNPP heard a loud blast and saw smoke rise from a location near the site. IAEA Chief Rafael Grossi confirmed the explosion, stating that one of the plant’s auxiliary facilities was the target. The incident occurred around 9 am local time and coincided with heavy Russian missile activity and Ukrainian military operations nearby.
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Russia Denies Targeting ZNPP
While Russia admitted to conducting missile strikes over the weekend, it firmly denied hitting the nuclear plant. Moscow claimed its attacks were aimed only at military facilities. Still, the proximity of the strikes to the ZNPP has drawn international attention. Smoke reportedly lingered near the site throughout the afternoon, raising concerns of long-term risks.
IAEA Raises Alarm
IAEA Director General Grossi called for maximum restraint. In his statement, he stressed, “Any attack in the vicinity of a nuclear power plant, regardless of the intended target, poses potential risks also for nuclear safety and must be avoided.” He warned that one wrong move could trigger a nuclear emergency, not only for Ukraine and Russia but for the entire European region.
Russian Strike on Kyiv Heightens Tensions
Just hours after the explosion near the plant, Russian missiles hit Kyiv, Ukrainian officials reported a powerful blast shortly after midnight in the capital. The attack came as part of a wave of increased Russian aggression following a Ukrainian strike on a key airbase in Siberia.
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Global Stakes Rising
The situation at the ZNPP remains volatile and experts fear a direct hit on the facility could cause a nuclear fallout of catastrophic proportions and such a disaster could affect millions and stretch far beyond the conflict zone.
