Uncertain Cause of Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant Fire: IAEA Investigates

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspected a damaged cooling tower at the Russia-controlled Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant in Ukraine. A fire broke out over the weekend, but the cause remains uncertain. Both Moscow and Kyiv blame each other for the incident. The IAEA found no immediate evidence to support either claim.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) announced that it inspected a damaged cooling tower at the Russia-controlled Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant in Ukraine but could not immediately determine the fire's cause that occurred over the weekend.

Both Moscow and Kyiv have exchanged accusations regarding the fire at the dormant nuclear facility. Russia attributed the fire to a drone attack, while Ukraine suggested it was a result of Russian negligence or arson. The IAEA team did not find any immediate evidence of drone remains and stated that the fire likely did not begin at the base of the cooling tower.

The IAEA disclosed that the damage was mainly concentrated inside the tower at the water nozzle distribution level, situated approximately 10 meters high. They confirmed that there were no significant signs of disturbance at the base. The nuclear safety of the plant remains unaffected as the cooling towers are currently non-operational. Russia took control of the plant following its invasion of Ukraine in 2022, referred to by Moscow as a 'special military operation.'