In a recent development, Ukrainian forces have reportedly detonated a drone against the dome covering a shut-down nuclear reactor at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in southeast Ukraine. This power plant happens to be the largest in all of Europe.

According to Kremlin and international energy officials, the International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed that an unmanned drone exploded against the dome above one of the plant's six reactors. The reactor in question, Reactor No. 6, is currently in a cold shutdown along with three other reactors. The remaining two reactors are either shut down for repair or undergoing shutdown procedures.

The Russian-installed administration, which assumed control after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, reported the damage caused by the drone strike. However, they insisted that there was no significant damage to the reactor, and radiation levels at the plant still remain within normal limits.

The Russian-run plant claimed that the Ukrainian strike targeted the dome of the building housing Reactor No. 6. The International Atomic Energy Agency acknowledged that the Russian assertions regarding the drone attack appeared "consistent" with their own observations. They further stated that radiation levels have not changed following the alleged assault.

IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi cautioned both Ukraine and Russia against actions that could compromise nuclear safety at the massive power plant. Grossi had previously expressed concerns about the ongoing fighting near the plant when it was discovered that the nuclear station had lost connectivity with its only remaining backup power line.

While the Russian-run administration has stated their position, Ukraine has yet to comment on the alleged attack. It is worth noting that Kyiv and Moscow have frequently accused each other of firing at the Zaporizhzhia plant, which is located close to the front lines of the conflict.

Last summer, Ukraine accused Russian troops of planting bombs on the roofs of two reactor buildings, alleging a false attack orchestrated to blame Kyiv. Kremlin nuclear officials vehemently denied these allegations and instead accused Ukraine of planning to deploy a "dirty bomb" at the nuclear power plant.

As tensions continue to rise between the two sides, international entities are urging for restraint and emphasizing the importance of maintaining nuclear safety at all costs. The situation at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant remains a cause for concern, and further developments are eagerly anticipated.