IAEA chief warns of growing risks after shelling near Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant

7/10/2025 7:50

Multiple rounds of shelling were heard at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) on Monday amid the longest off-site power loss of the plant, posing "growing risks" to its nuclear safety and security, according to a UN nuclear watchdog statement.



The shelling occurred in the afternoon, totalling about 15 rounds at near and middle distance from the site. The ZNPP informed the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) that two rounds of shelling struck around 1.25 km from the site perimeter, the IAEA statement said.



No casualties have been reported and there was no immediate information of any damages. However, IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi said the shelling further underlined the constant dangers facing the ZNPP.



"The nuclear safety and security situation is clearly not improving. On the contrary, the risks are growing," Grossi said. "The plant has now been without off-site power for almost two weeks, forcing it to rely on emergency diesel generators for the electricity it needs to cool its shutdown reactors and spent fuel. This is an extraordinarily challenging situation."