Officials in Energodar confirmed a strike on one of the Zaporozhye nuclear power plant units. The city administration head, Alexander Volga, reported the incident to TASS, saying a shell hit a power unit. He noted the unit is not yet restored to operation and provided a photo as evidence.
A representative for Energodar’s pro-Russian leadership did not specify the exact timing of the strike. He stressed that the plant’s safety system is built to withstand significant damage, including a single bullet strike, and remains vigilant about ongoing threats.
Asked about the future, the official suggested that decisions must be made within the broader context of the ongoing events, emphasizing the need for clarity as the situation evolves.
Background radiation levels around the Zaporizhzhya NPP have been monitored regularly and are currently within normal ranges. Experts note that the facility relies on concrete shielding exceeding a meter in thickness, reinforced with steel and other technologies, capable of withstanding impacts, including the crash of a medium-sized aircraft.
In recent weeks, Russian media and authorities, alongside Energodar leadership, have repeatedly reported shelling of the Zaporizhzhya NPP by Ukrainian forces. Earlier this week, an IAEA mission led by Rafael Grossi visited the site. At the conclusion of the visit, officials expressed concern about the plant’s integrity amid the growing regional tension. The IAEA team remains on site to monitor the situation as a safety measure for Europe’s largest nuclear facility.
Made in America
The Energodar administration head, Alexander Volga, stated that fragments from American missiles were discovered on the grounds of the Zaporizhzhya NPP after the bombardment. He mentioned that the debris included pieces associated with an American multiple launch rocket system as well as missiles from other Western suppliers, along with cannon rounds fired from a M-777 howitzer.
Volga added that Ukrainian forces have also targeted Energodar, a city under Russian control, describing damage that affected a colleague who was nearby when an artillery fragment shattered a window and struck a wall while someone was sitting on a sofa. The person survived due to a fortunate turn of events.
Energoatom, the Ukrainian state company managing the plant, reported that on September 3 the fifth power unit was shut down following damage to communication lines. By that evening, the fifth unit remained disconnected from the grid, while the sixth unit, operating at reduced capacity, continued to supply electricity to Ukraine via a backup line and to meet the plant’s own power needs.