Ukrainian Strikes on Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant Risk Radioactive Contamination, Russian Media Reports

Attacks on critical infrastructure at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant could trigger major radioactive contamination, according to a regional Russian official cited by Russian state media outlet TASS.

Drone Strike Targeted Spent Fuel Storage

Renat Karchaa, a member of the Russian-installed Legislative Assembly of the Zaporizhzhia Region, told TASS that plant officials reported a drone carrying an explosive payload struck near a dry spent nuclear fuel storage facility on Thursday. The device was detected close to the transporter storage building used to move spent fuel containers and was reportedly neutralized before causing damage.

Official Points to Pattern of Past Strikes

Karchaa said Ukrainian forces had previously targeted the plant’s fuel storage facilities in the summer of 2022, using 155-mm artillery rounds fired from M777 howitzers, arguing this shows experience in striking such infrastructure with weapons beyond drones. He said a direct hit causing structural damage could lead to depressurization and radioactive release.

Contamination Scope Called Unpredictable

According to Karchaa, the size of any potential contaminated area would be difficult to forecast, depending on factors such as the extent of damage, the volume of any radioactive release, wind direction and other conditions. The report reflects claims from Russian-installed regional officials and state media; Ukraine has not been quoted responding to these specific allegations in the report.