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IAEA Confirms New Drone-Linked Explosions at Russian-Occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant

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Photo of Dariia Mykhailenko
Dariia Mykhailenko
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IAEA Confirms New Drone-Linked Explosions at Russian-Occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant
This photograph shows the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, which is under Russian control since the first days of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. on July 7, 2023. (Source: Getty Images)

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has confirmed a new series of explosions near the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, currently under Russian occupation. This marks the fourth such incident since the beginning of 2025.

According to IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi on June 5, the Agency’s monitoring team stationed at the site recorded multiple rounds of gunfire followed by explosions near the facility around midday on June 5. Between 11:30 and 13:45 local time, at least five explosions were heard, each preceded by gunfire. Additional shooting was reported after 14:00.

The plant’s administration attributed the activity to the “neutralization of drones” near the site’s training center. The source and affiliation of the drones remain unknown. No damage or casualties have been reported.

“Drones flying close to nuclear power plants could threaten their safety and security, with potentially serious consequences. As I have stated repeatedly during the war, such incidents must stop immediately,” Grossi stated.

The IAEA highlighted that this is the fourth time in 2025 the training center at the Zaporizhzhia plant has come under attack.

The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, Europe’s largest, was occupied by Russian forces in early March 2022, shortly after the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The facility, located in the city of Enerhodar in Zaporizhzhia region, was seized following intense fighting in the surrounding area. Since then, Russian troops have maintained control of the plant, while Ukrainian personnel continue to operate it under duress.

Earlier, satellite imagery confirmed that Russia is building new power lines in occupied southern Ukraine to integrate the seized Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant into its own energy grid.

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