IAEA warns of nuclear risk at South Ukraine plant: Russia accused of PoW abuses
A drone was downed and detonated roughly 800 metres from the perimeter of the South Ukraine nuclear power plant, the UN atomic watchdog reported on Thursday. Rafael Grossi, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), warned that “once again drones are flying far too close to nuclear power plants, putting nuclear safety at risk.”
IAEA monitors said 22 drones were observed near the plant late Wednesday and early Thursday, with some flying as close as 500 metres. Gunfire and explosions were heard around 1 a.m., and a site visit revealed a four-square-metre crater, damaged metal structures, shattered vehicle windows, and a downed power line. Grossi noted: “Fortunately, last night’s incident did not result in any damage to the South Ukraine nuclear power plant itself. Next time we may not be so lucky.” There were no casualties reported.
Meanwhile, the Russian-held Zaporizhzhia station remained without external power for more than 48 hours after supply lines were cut for the tenth time during the conflict. Emergency diesel generators were operating to prevent reactor overheating.
The Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) accused Russia of “widespread and systematic violations” of international law in its treatment of Ukrainian prisoners of war, including “arbitrary killings, torture, ill-treatment, denial of fair trial rights and unsafe detention and transfer conditions.” The report, based on a mission of three OSCE experts, found Ukrainian soldiers were often not recognised as PoWs, opening the door for criminal prosecution.
On the diplomatic front, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov accused NATO and the EU of waging a “real war” against Russia through Ukraine during a UN speech. UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper dismissed his claims as “false fantasy world distortions” and reiterated condemnation of Russia’s “unprovoked war of aggression.”
The US approved a $1.23bn sale of up to 400 advanced air-to-air missiles and related equipment to NATO ally Germany, aiming to strengthen its ability to counter Russian incursions. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has also proposed unlocking up to €140bn in frozen Russian assets to finance Ukraine’s war effort, advocating an interest-free EU loan to support Kyiv while addressing legal concerns.
Russia’s attacks continued to target Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, temporarily cutting power to at least 70,000 people in the Chernihiv region and causing disruptions in Vinnytsia. Restoration works are underway.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy outlined plans to expand Ukraine’s drone exports and tech partnerships during a meeting with US firms including Amazon, Bank of America, and Westinghouse. Zelenskyy reaffirmed his commitment to leave office once the war ends, stating: “My goal is to finish the war,” and warned that the Kremlin could become a target if Moscow does not halt its invasion.
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