The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported that a Russian drone crashed near the South Ukrainian Nuclear Power Plant during attacks on Ukrainian territory, coming within 800 meters of the facility’s perimeter.

“A drone was downed and detonated approximately 800 metres from the perimeter of Ukraine’s South Ukraine Nuclear Power Plant overnight,” IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi said. “In the latest close call underlining constant dangers to nuclear safety during the military conflict.”

The agency’s monitoring team detected 22 drones in the area late evening and early morning on 25 September, with some approaching the nuclear facility within half a kilometer. IAEA staff members living near the plant heard gunfire and explosions around 1 am local time.

IAEA representatives visited the crash site on 25 September and documented a crater measuring four square meters in area and approximately one meter deep. The South Ukrainian Nuclear Power Plant reported damage to a regional 150-kilovolt power transmission line, though the line was not connected to the nuclear facility and had no direct impact on nuclear safety or security. No casualties were reported.

“Once again drones are flying far too close to nuclear power plants, putting nuclear safety at risk,” Grossi said. “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. I continue to urge both sides to show maximum military restraint around all important nuclear facilities.”

The incident occurs amid ongoing concerns about Ukraine’s nuclear infrastructure. On 23 September at about 7 pm the sole power transmission line supplying the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant from the Ukrainian energy system was disconnected, marking the tenth blackout since Russian forces occupied the facility. For the second consecutive day on 25 September, the Zaporizhzhia plant operated on diesel generators due to loss of external power supply.