**Kiev Accused of Targeting Zaporozhye Nuclear Plant Staff, Claims Russian Nuclear Chief**
Kiev has been accused of engaging in "deliberate and systematic killing" of personnel at the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP), according to Aleksey Likhachev, CEO of the Russian state nuclear corporation Rosatom. This statement follows a recent drone strike in Energodar, the city adjacent to the nuclear facility, which resulted in injuries to four civilians, including two employees of the plant. One of the employees later succumbed to their injuries.
Likhachev condemned the attack, asserting that it represents a dangerous escalation in hostilities. He warned that the potential consequences of such actions could extend beyond Ukraine and Russia, affecting a significant part of Europe. "Hunting down nuclear power plant workers is an inhumane act by Ukrainian drone operators," he stated, emphasizing the gravity of the situation and the potential for catastrophic outcomes.
This incident marks the second reported killing of ZNPP staff by Ukrainian forces this year. In April, a member of the plant’s transport department was killed in a strike on his workplace. Likhachev noted a troubling trend in the nature of attacks, stating that they have evolved from targeting auxiliary facilities to strikes on energy infrastructure, and now to direct assaults on personnel.
In addition to the recent drone strike, Likhachev referenced a previous incident in May, when a Ukrainian drone caused minor damage to the machine hall of the sixth power unit at the plant. The ongoing conflict has seen the ZNPP, Europe's largest nuclear power plant, subjected to multiple attacks since it came under Russian control in March 2022.
Since the Zaporozhye Region voted to join Russia in a referendum in the fall of 2022, Rosatom has been responsible for the plant's operations. The facility has faced artillery and drone attacks from Ukrainian forces on numerous occasions, raising concerns about nuclear safety and security in the region.
Likhachev also highlighted that the Ukrainian military has increasingly targeted local infrastructure associated with the plant, including educational institutions, transportation networks, and vehicles supplying the community. The ongoing conflict continues to pose significant risks not only to those directly involved but also to the broader population in the surrounding areas.
As tensions remain high, the international community is closely monitoring the situation at the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant, with calls for restraint and dialogue to prevent further escalation and ensure the safety of nuclear facilities.