Ukraine Drone Hits Russian Nuclear Plant Cooling Tower; IAEA Issues Major Warning

Kyiv: Amid the Russia-Ukraine war, concerns regarding the safety of nuclear plants have once again increased. According to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the drone hit the cooling tower of a reactor unit of the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant in Russia. The unit of the plant was running at the time of the incident, but there was no change in its operation and there was no news of any fire. The IAEA has described an attack on any nuclear plant as unacceptable and has said that the military should exercise restraint to avoid a nuclear accident.

Did the drone hit the cooling tower of the Kursk Nuclear Plant?

According to the IAEA, the drone incident occurred on the cooling tower of a reactor unit of the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant. The concerned unit was in operation at that time. However, no change was made in the operating mode of the unit after the incident. The agency also said that there was no fire in the cooling tower after the drone collision. At present, no immediate impact on nuclear safety has been reported from this incident.

What did the IAEA say on nuclear attacks?

IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi has expressed serious concern about attacks on nuclear facilities. According to the agency, targeting any nuclear plant can affect nuclear safety and security. Grossi reiterated that it is necessary to exercise maximum military restraint to prevent the risk of a nuclear accident during a war.

Has there been concern about nuclear plants before in the Russia-Ukraine war?

In February 2022, Russia started military action on Ukraine, since then the IAEA has been continuously warning about military activities around nuclear plants. Ukraine Apart from the nuclear facilities in Russia, security concerns have also been raised regarding the Kursk Nuclear Plant in Russia. Military activity around the nuclear plant located close to the battlefield may increase the risk of an accident.

Where is the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant?

The Kursk Nuclear Power Plant is in the Kursk area of Russia. It is close to the Ukraine border and is situated in the western part of Kursk city. Due to its proximity to the border, this area has remained very sensitive during the Russia-Ukraine war.

What appeal did the IAEA make to avoid a nuclear accident?

The IAEA made it clear that wherever attacks on nuclear facilities take place, they can become a threat to security. The agency has appealed to all parties to exercise restraint in military action and keep the safety of the nuclear plant first. At present, there is no information about any change in the operation or fire of the unit of the Kursk plant, but the IAEA has emphasized on increasing vigilance regarding nuclear safety after the incident.