Drone Strike on Russian Nuclear Plant Causes No Safety Impact, Says UN

The United Nations nuclear watchdog confirmed on Tuesday that there was “no impact on nuclear safety” after a drone reportedly struck the cooling tower of a Russian nuclear power plant.

Russia’s state nuclear operator Rosenergoatom reported via Telegram that: “A Ukrainian Armed Forces combat drone attempted to attack a cooling tower at the Novovoronezh Nuclear Power Plant” in central Russia during the night from Monday to Tuesday.

According to Rosenergoatom, the drone was neutralised by technical means near the plant, causing it to detonate upon colliding with the cooling tower. The operator added that there were no damages or injuries, and the plant’s operations were unaffected.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) stated that it had been informed by Russia of the incident and confirmed:

• No impact on nuclear safety
• No change in radiation levels

IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi reiterated on X (formerly Twitter): “Nuclear power plants must never be attacked.”

Rosenergoatom described the strike as: “Another act of aggression by the Ukrainian Armed Forces against Russian nuclear power plants.”

There was no immediate comment from Kyiv, which has been conducting retaliatory strikes on Russian energy and oil infrastructure. Ukraine views these actions as a response to Moscow’s ongoing offensive, which has repeatedly left millions of Ukrainian residents without heating and electricity.

Both Moscow and Kyiv have accused each other of targeting nuclear sites throughout the three-and-a-half-year conflict, raising fears of a nuclear incident.

Notably, Ukraine’s southern Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, captured by Russian forces shortly after the 2022 invasion, has been disconnected from the power grid for two weeks. It now relies on backup generators to maintain cooling and safety systems.

The IAEA continues to monitor nuclear safety in the region, highlighting the risks associated with military actions near nuclear facilities.