IAEA reports gunfire at Zaporizhzhia plant, escalating nuclear safety concerns

Gunfire erupted near the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant on July 12, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said, deepening fears over the security of Europe’s largest nuclear facility.

The hour-long small-arms fire began around 10 p.m. local time and was described by IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi as “unusual” and deeply concerning.

During an inspection the next day, IAEA inspectors discovered numerous small-caliber shell casings scattered near reactor units 5 and 6, though no physical damage to the plant was found.

“Such military activity at or near a major nuclear power plant is clearly unacceptable,” Grossi said, announcing an ongoing investigation into the incident.

The IAEA has also warned of increased drone activity near nuclear plants this year, heightening the risk of a nuclear disaster.

“Any military attack on a nuclear site — with or without drones — jeopardizes nuclear safety and must stop immediately,” Grossi said.

Ukraine’s Center for Strategic Communications condemned the Russian military presence and operations at Zaporizhzhia as “nuclear terrorism” threatening the world with catastrophe.

“The occupation of Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant is an unprecedented act of nuclear terror. Only Ukrainian control and supervision can ensure safe operation of the plant,” the center said.

Earlier this month, Russian shelling cut power lines supplying the plant, causing a blackout and further destabilizing the facility’s operation.