What the IAEA saw following suspected drone attack at Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant

IAEA experts went to three damaged locations after receiving information about a possible drone attack on the ZNPP, they said. They were able to confirm the physical effects of drone explosions.

They discovered damage to communication and surveillance equipment in one of the six reactor buildings of the station.

“While the Russian military was on the roof of the Unit 6 reactor, they opened fire on what appeared to be an approaching drone,” the report said.

“An explosion rang out near the reactor building shortly after.”

The IAEA team observed drone debris there and at two other places at the site – and witnessed bloodstains next to a damaged military vehicle on one of them, outside the laboratory, "indicating at least one victim."

Experts reported hearing explosions and gunfire at the scene and several rounds of outgoing artillery fire from a location near the station during the day.

"While the team so far has not observed any structural damage to systems, structures, and components important to nuclear safety or security of the plant, they reported observing minor superficial scorching to the top of the reactor dome roof of Unit 6 and scratches on a concrete slab that supports the primary water storage tanks," the IAEA reported.

Drone explosion at the ZNPP: What is Known?

A drone exploded on the territory of the ZNPP, the IAEA said on April 7.

“IAEA experts have been informed by ZNPP that a drone detonated on site today,” the message said.

“Such detonation is consistent with IAEA observations."

Where the drone was directed from was not reported.

It is necessary to "refrain from actions that contradict the five IAEA principles and jeopardize nuclear safety,” IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi said.

Ukraine is not involved in any armed provocations on the territory of the ZNPP that is illegally occupied by Russia, Andriy Yusov, Ukraine’s Military Intelligence representative, emphasized.

At least three direct hits to the main protective shell of ZNPP reactor were recorded, Grossi noted.