Drone Damages Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant Equipment

The International — International Atomic Energy Agency reported that meteorological monitoring equipment at the Russian-held Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in southeastern Ukraine was damaged by a drone strike on May 4. The plant, Europe's largest, has been under Russia's control since February 2022, and both Ukraine and Russia have accused each other of military actions that could compromise its safety. A team of International — International Atomic Energy Agency experts visited the External Radiation Control Laboratory and confirmed the damage. Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International — International Atomic Energy Agency, issued a fresh appeal for maximum military restraint near all nuclear facilities to avoid safety risks. The plant, which no longer produces electricity, has been struck multiple times by drones since the conflict began. An external power line crucial for cooling nuclear fuel has been down since late March, and the International — International Atomic Energy Agency is attempting to arrange a local ceasefire for repairs.