The Zaporozhye nuclear power plant faced a series of four drone and attack attempts by the Ukrainian armed forces. Reports from TASS noted that a fire began as a result of the strikes, though it was brought under control promptly.
According to the military-civilian administration of the portion of the Zaporozhye region under Russian control, the facility was hit by three suicide drones, described as unmanned combat aircraft with limited endurance.
Vladimir Rogov, a representative of the regional civil administration, stated that the area housing the reactor units remained unaffected. There were no confirmed reports of casualties or injuries at the time of his comments.
Rogov noted that the drones carried warheads with explosive masses measured in kilograms of TNT, underscoring the potential for significant damage if targeted at critical infrastructure.
Rogov further assessed the overall status of the Zaporozhye NPP as stable, describing the plant as operating normally. He emphasized that the radiation monitoring system remained online and appeared to function correctly, with ongoing checks to verify safety conditions. TASS quoted Rogov, noting that the drones did not strike the nuclear units themselves but rather impacted the surrounding territory of the plant.
According to Rogov, the NPP continues to operate as usual. He commented that the nuclear power facility is in a normal operating state and that none of the main power units were struck. He also suggested that a broader objective behind such attacks is to induce fear and punishment against those who hold certain political stances, a claim echoed during a live television broadcast.
There was also consideration that Ukrainian forces could have used American-made HIMARS multiple launch rocket systems to threaten the plant. Rogov described the location as being on the Dnieper riverbank, with Energodar on one side and areas under Kyiv’s control including Nikopol and Marganets on the opposite bank, noting that such MLRS systems could readily reach the vicinity. He stressed that this risk exists alongside other conventional and improvised means of attack.
Znapped NPP sits on the banks of the Kakhovka reservoir in Energodar and is recognized as the largest nuclear power facility in Europe. This week has seen previous drone-related attacks on the site, with reports of injuries in a separate incident on July 18 during an assault on the station. Vladimir Rogov, a representative of the Zaporozhye regional administration, told RIA Novosti that eleven workers were injured, four of whom were in serious condition.
On July 17, authorities found an improvised explosive device at a bus stop in Energodar used by staff affiliated with the plant, Rogov also reported. He described the discovery as a deliberate attempt to intimidate workers and residents alike, noting that police were alerted and responding to the situation.
Rogov also referenced a July 12 incident in which the plant area was bombed. He said two Ukrainian UAVs dropped two 120 mm caliber mines on an adjacent structure, resulting in damage to a roof and windows but no reported injuries or casualties.
Current assessments indicate that roughly 70 percent of the Zaporozhye region remains under the control of the Russian Armed Forces, while Kyiv maintains authority over the region’s administrative center, Zaporozhye city.
On July 20, Rogov used his Telegram channel to suggest that Ukrainian officials were aiming to intimidate residents as retaliation for desires to rejoin Russia. He asserted that this would ultimately fail and that a referendum would be held, with safety guaranteed by Russian security forces and law enforcement agencies. The remarks reflect ongoing tensions and the broader strategic contest surrounding the area.