Russia accuses Ukraine of attacks on Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant

Europe-Asia, International

MOSCOW, Russia (NPA) — Russia has accused Ukraine of continuing attacks and provocations against the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP), warning that the alleged attacks could increase the risk of a serious nuclear accident.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova made the allegation in a statement issued on October 5, 2026.

According to Zakharova, Ukrainian forces used a drone on October 4 to strike the plant’s laboratory and Support Building No. 2, located about 200 metres from the reactor units.

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She also alleged that Ukrainian forces shelled the radioactive waste processing building twice, saying an attack on the facility could damage equipment needed for the safe handling of radioactive materials.

Zakharova further claimed that a truck carrying food supplies for plant personnel was targeted near Melitopol on October 4, killing the driver.

The Russian Foreign Ministry expressed condolences to the driver’s family and relatives.

Zakharova accused Ukraine of targeting the ZNPP and related infrastructure in an effort to disrupt the plant’s operations and increase the risk of a nuclear accident.

She also criticised Western countries for what she described as an inadequate response to the alleged attacks, accusing them of encouraging further strikes by continuing to supply weapons to Ukraine.

According to the statement, Russia also questioned the commitment of Western countries to nuclear safety and security at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the United Nations and other international forums.

The Russian Foreign Ministry called on the IAEA leadership to condemn what it described as Ukraine’s actions and those of its supporters.

Ukraine has not yet responded to the specific allegations in Zakharova’s October 5 statement. This report will be updated when an official response becomes available.

The allegations contained in the Russian statement could not be independently verified.

The Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, Europe’s largest nuclear power facility, has remained a major security concern since Russia took control of the site during the war in Ukraine.