The head of the UN atomic watchdog warns such attacks “significantly increase the risk of a major nuclear accident”.
A drone attack hit a nuclear reactor at the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia power plant in Ukraine, officials say.
The UN’s atomic watchdog agency confirmed the “physical impact of drone attacks” on one of the six nuclear reactors at the site on Sunday.
The “serious incident” had the “potential to undermine (the) integrity of the reactor’s containment system”, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said, adding that one casualty was reported.
“Such reckless attacks significantly increase the risk of a major nuclear accident and must cease immediately,” said Rafael Mariano Gross, director general of the IAEA.
He added it was the first such attack since November 2022.
According to the Russian plant officials, radiation levels were normal after the strikes.
Russia’s nuclear power corporation Rosatom accused Ukraine’s military of launching the attacks on the plant.
Ukraine denied any involvement in the incident and suggested Russia was to blame.