A heated exchange of accusations between Russia and Ukraine has emerged following an attack on a vehicle transporting experts from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) near the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. The incident, which occurred on Dec. 10, has drawn international concern due to the heightened risks associated with the ongoing conflict around Europe’s largest nuclear facility.
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi confirmed the attack, stating that a drone severely damaged an official agency vehicle on its way to the plant. Fortunately, no casualties were reported, Grossi said. However, the incident underscores the perilous circumstances under which international organizations operate in the war-torn region.
The Ukrainian government has accused Russia of orchestrating the attack. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy characterized the strike as a deliberate act by Moscow, demonstrating its "total disregard for international law and institutions." Zelenskiy claimed the attack further highlighted the risks posed by Russia’s occupation of the nuclear facility, which has been under its control since the early days of the invasion in February 2022.
In contrast, Russia’s Foreign Ministry has denied the allegations, placing the blame squarely on Ukraine. In a statement issued Wednesday, Moscow alleged that Ukrainian forces had targeted the IAEA vehicle in Kyiv-controlled territory at approximately 3:00 PM. The ministry also accused Ukraine of launching another attack at 4:37 PM on a Russian convoy transporting IAEA experts after they had completed their mission near the line of contact at Kamenskoye settlement.
The Russian Foreign Ministry condemned what it called "provocative and reckless actions" by Kyiv. The ministry accused Ukraine of jeopardizing the safety of international personnel and Russian military personnel involved in the rotation of duties at the nuclear facility.
"We share the indignation of the IAEA’s leadership at these reckless acts, which not only threaten the security of Russian nuclear facilities but also endanger the lives of international experts and military personnel," the statement read.
The Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, located in southeastern Ukraine, has been a focal point of tensions since its capture by Russian forces in early 2022. The facility has frequently been at the center of crossfire, with both sides accusing the other of shelling the area and risking a nuclear catastrophe.
The IAEA has repeatedly called for a demilitarized zone around the plant to ensure its safe operation and prevent a potential disaster. However, the continued militarization of the surrounding area and conflicting accusations highlight the challenges of securing such a zone in the context of an ongoing war.
The latest incident has intensified calls from international observers for both sides to exercise restraint, particularly in areas near sensitive nuclear infrastructure. The safety of IAEA personnel, tasked with monitoring and ensuring compliance with nuclear safety standards, remains a key concern for the global community.
As both nations present conflicting narratives, the incident underscores the broader challenges of maintaining international law and protecting civilian and organizational personnel in conflict zones.