Russia Accuses Ukraine of Deadly Attack on Fuel Trucks at Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant

The head of Russia’s state nuclear energy corporation has accused Ukraine of launching a deadly attack on diesel fuel trucks near the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, alleging the strike deliberately endangered the facility's safety.

Details of the Allegation

In a statement issued Sunday, Alexei Likhachev said that Ukrainian forces conducted "a series of combined strikes" on Friday. The attack allegedly targeted fuel trucks responsible for supplying diesel to the Russian-held station.

According to Likhachev, the strikes occurred "very close to the perimeter of the station’s site." He stated the incident resulted in the deaths of two Russian servicemen and left a large number of others injured, some seriously.

Implications for Plant Safety

The supply of diesel fuel is critical for the safe operation of the Zaporizhzhia plant, which is Europe's largest with six reactors. The fuel powers backup generators essential for cooling nuclear fuel in the reactors if external power is lost.

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This risk is not theoretical; the plant's two main external power links were down for nearly three weeks across August and September, highlighting the importance of the onsite generators. The plant is not currently generating electricity.

Context of Ongoing Tensions

Russian forces seized the Zaporizhzhia plant in the initial weeks of the 2022 invasion. Since then, both Moscow and Kyiv have regularly accused each other of shelling and other military actions that risk a nuclear accident.

Ukraine has consistently demanded that Russia withdraw its forces and return control of the facility. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the U.N.'s nuclear watchdog, maintains a permanent observer team at the station and has previously helped mediate local ceasefires to allow for critical repairs.