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Russian Nuclear Head Accuses Ukraine of Diesel-Truck Attack Near Zaporizhzhia Plant
By Drooid · · How we work
Attack on Diesel Fuel Trucks Near the Plant
On September 13, Alexei Likhachev, head of Russia’s state nuclear energy corporation Rosatom, said Ukrainian forces struck diesel-fuel trucks that service the Russian-held Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. He stated the strikes occurred on the Friday before the announcement, hit close to the plant’s perimeter, killed two Russian servicemen, and injured a “large number” of other Russian soldiers, some seriously. Likhachev characterized the attack as a deliberate attempt to jeopardise safety at the facility.
Background of the Zaporizhzhia Facility
Zaporizhzhia, Europe’s largest nuclear power station with six reactors, was seized by Russian forces in the early weeks of the war that began in February 2022. The plant’s two external power links have been offline for nearly three weeks in August and September, making diesel generators essential for supplying power to keep reactor fuel cool. The plant currently generates no electricity, and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) maintains a permanent observer team at the site, as it does at Ukraine’s three other operating reactors.
Casualties and Operational Impact
According to Likhachev, the attack resulted in two Russian servicemen killed and numerous additional injuries among personnel tasked with supporting the civilian fuel-delivery mission. The loss of diesel-fuel trucks threatens the reliability of backup generators that are critical when external power is unavailable, potentially increasing the risk of a nuclear safety incident.
Official Statements & Responses
Likhachev’s statement accused Ukraine of launching “a series of combined strikes” aimed at undermining the plant’s safety. He emphasized that the targeted trucks were part of a purely civilian mission. The Ukrainian side has repeatedly demanded that Russia relinquish control of Zaporizhzhia, a request Moscow has rejected. Both parties have a history of accusing each other of actions that endanger the plant’s safety.
Broader Implications
The incident underscores the heightened vulnerability of the Zaporizhzhia plant amid ongoing conflict, where disruptions to fuel supplies can affect critical cooling systems. Continued accusations between the parties raise concerns for international nuclear-safety watchdogs, as any escalation could increase the probability of a nuclear accident at Europe’s largest reactor complex.