• Smoke observed near Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant’s auxiliary port area after morning shelling and drone strikes.
  • IAEA monitors confirm explosions and visible smoke, reiterating nuclear safety risks amid ongoing hostilities.
  • The incident underscores persistent dangers at the Russian-occupied facility, Europe’s largest nuclear plant.

Smoke and Shelling Near Zaporizhzhia Plant

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) personnel stationed at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) reported hearing explosions around 09:00 local time on Thursday, followed by visible smoke near an auxiliary facility approximately 1.2 kilometers from the plant’s perimeter. The facility, described as part of the plant’s cargo and auxiliary port area, was reportedly struck by shelling and drone attacks, according to IAEA monitors on-site.

Plant officials confirmed the auxiliary site was attacked, with smoke lingering into the afternoon. The IAEA reiterated its warning that any military activity near nuclear facilities poses unacceptable risks to safety and security. "We call for maximum restraint to prevent a potential nuclear accident," an IAEA spokesperson said in a statement.

Ongoing Risks at Occupied Facility

The Zaporizhzhia plant, Europe’s largest nuclear power station, has been under Russian control since March 2022. The latest incident follows a pattern of sporadic shelling and drone strikes near the facility, which has been a flashpoint in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. While the reactors themselves were not directly impacted, the IAEA emphasized that attacks on auxiliary infrastructure still degrade overall safety margins.

Local energy planners in Ukraine remain on high alert, as disruptions at ZNPP could further strain the country’s already damaged power grid. Previous incidents have led to temporary disconnections from the grid, raising concerns about industrial power curtailments and broader economic fallout.

Diplomatic and Market Implications

The IAEA has long advocated for a demilitarized zone around the plant, though diplomatic efforts have so far failed to materialize. Meanwhile, European energy markets continue to price in risks associated with the conflict, with traders monitoring for potential supply disruptions. Analysts note that prolonged instability around critical infrastructure like ZNPP could accelerate investments in grid resilience and alternative energy sources across the region.

Attempts to reach Russian officials overseeing the plant for comment were unsuccessful. The IAEA said its team remains on-site and will conduct further inspections as security conditions allow.