Attacks on Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant significantly increase accident risk, IAEA head says

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — The head of the U.N.’s atomic watchdog agency has condemned a drone strike on one of six nuclear reactors at the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine. Russia blamed Ukriane for the strike, but the claim could not be independently verified. Rafael Mariano Grossi says such attacks “significantly increase the risk of a major nuclear accident.” He confirmed at least three direct hits against the plant’s main reactor containment structures took place. He said it was the first such attack since November 2022, when he set out five basic principles to avoid a serious nuclear accident with radiological consequences. Officials at the plant reported one casualty.