An incident at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine has left some Russian military personnel injured as efforts to prevent a 'nuclear accident' continue
18:30, 05 Jun 2026Updated 18:43, 05 Jun 2026
Russian military personnel have been injured following a "serious incident" at Europe's largest nuclear power plant.
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The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) today said it had been informed of an incident which occurred during de-mining efforts following a localised ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine.
The ceasefire is in place so that power line repairs can be carried out, repairs the IAEA says are crucial for preventing a "nuclear accident" at the site. The power plant has lost power on several occasions due to fighting in the region.
The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant - the largest in Europe and one of the world’s 10 biggest - has been under Russian control since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
— IAEA - International Atomic Energy Agency (@iaeaorg) June 5, 2026The IAEA has been informed of a serious incident that occurred during today’s de-mining phase of the agreed localized ceasefire near the Zaporizhzhya NPP, in which some Russian military personnel were injured.
While the incident is currently being investigated, the Ukrainian… pic.twitter.com/JjHDprkFf7
Rafael Mariano Grossi, IAEA director general, today called for "maximum military restraint and full adherence to the ceasefire" so "efforts to prevent a nuclear accident" can continue. The exact nature of the incident which led to the recent injuries remains unclear.
"The urgency and necessity of repairing the ZNPP’s main 750 kilovolt (kV) power line was underscored by another loss of off-site power event at the plant today, the 18th since the war started," the IAEA said.
"The ZNPP once again had to rely on emergency diesel generators after its sole remaining power line - the 330 kV Ferosplavna - was disconnected due to reported attacks on two electrical substations located on the other side of the Dnipro River.
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"With the 750 kV line disconnected for more than two months, the ZNPP has been relying on the 330 kV line, making it extremely vulnerable to conflict-related grid disruptions. The 330 kV line has been disconnected repeatedly in recent weeks, including today."
Mr Grossi said added that restoration of the 750 kV Dniprovska line "would be an important positive step for nuclear safety".
The power plant has been a focus of concern for the IAEA throughout the war due to fears of a potential nuclear catastrophe, as it lies close to the front line in Ukraine’s southern Zaporizhzhia region.
