Shelling near Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant raises fresh alarm over global nuclear security

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has again warned of mounting nuclear risks after airborne attacks and plumes of black smoke were reported near the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP), according to its Sept. 16 update.

Several artillery shells landed outside the plant’s perimeter, about 400 meters (437 yards) from a diesel fuel storage site, with black smoke rising in three locations. The IAEA monitoring mission also heard intermittent explosions and gunfire.

“Military action still endangers the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant. What was once virtually unimaginable – shelling or other military activity taking place close to major nuclear facilities – has become a regular occurrence during this horrific war,” IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi said.

The agency said that the incident highlights the ongoing nuclear safety risks posed by the war.

“I’ve repeatedly called for maximum military restraint near nuclear power plants and I do so again today. This must stop before it is too late,” Grossi said.

The IAEA has already flagged serious concerns over ZNPP’s fragile energy supply after six of its seven external power lines were damaged, leaving the plant reliant on limited backup options. Nuclear experts warn that repeated attacks are eroding the safety buffer designed to prevent catastrophe.

In August, Ukraine called for the immediate withdrawal of Russian forces from the Zaporizhzhia plant following renewed Russian shelling. The Ukrainian Foreign Affairs Ministry said these actions are part of a well-known and systematic tactic by Russian occupation forces.