Russian Nuclear Head Says Ukraine Attacked Fuel Trucks, Endangered Zaporizhzhia Plant

By Reuters Sep. 13, 2026 The Zaporizhzhia plant, Europe's largest with six reactors, was seized by Russian forces in the early weeks of the Ukraine war that broke out in February 2022. Alexander Polegenko/TASS The head of Russia's state nuclear energy corporation accused Ukraine on Sunday of attacking diesel fuel trucks, killing two Russian servicemen and deliberately jeopardizing safety at the Russian-held Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine. Alexei Likhachev said the attack took place on Friday and also resulted in injuries to other Russian soldiers. The Zaporizhzhia plant, Europe's largest with six reactors, was seized by Russian forces in the early weeks of the Ukraine war that broke out in February 2022. Each side has regularly accused the other of actions that endanger safety at the plant and increase the risk of a nuclear accident. Likhachev issued a statement saying Ukrainian forces had launched “a series of combined strikes” on Friday on fuel trucks which deliver diesel to the station. “The strikes hit very close to the perimeter of the station's site,” he said. “Two servicemen were killed, and a large number of Russian soldiers were injured, some seriously. They were all involved in supporting this purely civilian mission.” Fuel is critically important for the plant as diesel generators provide power to keep nuclear fuel in the reactors cool when the plant's two external power links are down. Both were down for nearly three weeks in August and September. Ukraine has demanded that Russia abandon the station and hand its operation back to Kyiv, a demand rejected by Moscow. The fuel currently generates no electricity. The UN nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency, has stationed an observer team permanently at the station, along with Ukraine's three other working plants. The agency has repeatedly acted as an intermediary when disputes arise and last month helped arrange a local ceasefire in order to carry out repairs and restore external power links. Read more about: Zaporizhzhia , Nuclear power , Occupied Ukraine Sign up for our free weekly newsletter Our weekly newsletter contains a hand-picked selection of news, features, analysis and more from The Moscow Times. You will receive it in your mailbox every Friday. Never miss the latest news from Russia. Preview Subscribers agree to the Privacy Policy We sent a confirmation to your email. Please confirm your subscription. A Message from The Moscow Times: Dear readers, We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent." These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia. We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help. Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact. By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us. Once Monthly Annual Continue Not ready to support today? Remind me later. × Remind me next month Remind me Thank you! Your reminder is set. We will send you one reminder email a month from now. For details on the personal data we collect and how it is used, please see our Privacy Policy. Read more Drone Attack Near Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant Kills One, IAEA Says The plant's director described the incident as "the worst event the plant has faced," the UN nuclear watchdog said. 1 Min read opinion Alexander Nikitin How Russia Is Turning a Captured Nuclear Power Plant into a Propaganda Piece A blackout at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant coincided with World Atomic Week and an IAEA visit, suggesting Moscow is trying to project control. 4 Min read Russia Building Power Lines to Restart Occupied Ukrainian Nuclear Plant Satellite images obtained by Greenpeace show Russia building about 80 kilometers of new electricity lines and pylons from the occupied port city of Berdyansk... 2 Min read UN Nuclear Chief Says 'Very Real' Threat Remains at Moscow-Held Zaporizhzhia Plant “The potential dangers of a major nuclear accident remain very real,” IAEA chief Rafael Grossi said in a statement to the UN Security Council. 1 Min read