Drone attack on UN vehicle on the way to the Ukraine inspection

Drone attack on UN vehicle on the way to the Ukraine inspection

A armored vehicle from the United Nations International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) was hit on Tuesday in a drone attack while it was on the way to inspect a Ukrainian nuclear power plant. President Wolodymyr Selenskyj blamed Russia for the attack.

Details of the incident

The attack that Russia has not yet commented on occurred when the vehicle was traveling to the Saporischschja nuclear power plant in a convoy. This is part of the efforts of the IAEA to ensure the security of the system, as it is concerned that it could be involved in a conflict during Russia's war against Ukraine, which could lead to a nuclear catastrophe.

consequences of the attack

The IAEA announced that the attack destroyed the rear of its armored vehicle, but the two people on board remained unharmed. "The driver of a second IAEA vehicle in the convoy saw the Kamikazedreanhen, which flogged from behind and hit the targeted vehicle," said the authority.

reactions by Selenskyj and the IAEA

Selenskyj, who shared a picture of the damaged vehicle on the platform X, blamed the Russians for the attack and claimed that the vehicle was deliberately attacked. "This attack clearly shows how Russia deals with everything that has to do with international law, global institutions and security. The Russians could not have been unconscious to their target," emphasized Selenskyj.

Rafael Mariano Grossi, the general director of the IAEA, also condemned the attack: "In the past, I said that an attack on a nuclear power plant is not acceptable. Attacks on those who take care of the nuclear security of these systems are also absolutely unacceptable."

safety of nuclear power plants in the focus

fierce battles that broke out in the first days of the war near the Saporischeschja facility aroused fears of a nuclear incident and led to international conviction. Since then, the IAEA has repeatedly warned that the security of the location is threatened by shelling, air strikes, lack of personnel, working conditions and the loss of the external power supply.

Current situation in the Saporischschja nuclear power plant

The power plant in south of Ukraine has been under Russian control since March 2022. Since this takeover, Ukraine has repeatedly accused Russia of acting ruthlessly in the vicinity of the power plant by using the system as a protective shield for troops and heavy weapons.

After the drone attack on Tuesday, the IAEA announced that its staff finally reached the nuclear power plant to change personnel.