Updated
Updated · The Independent · Jul 15
Ukrainian Drone Kills 2 Near Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant as Black Sea Attacks Intensify
Updated
Updated · The Independent · Jul 15

Ukrainian Drone Kills 2 Near Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant as Black Sea Attacks Intensify

3 articles · Updated · The Independent · Jul 15

Summary

  • Alexander Yakovlev, chief engineer at the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, and his driver were killed when a Ukrainian drone hit their service car between the site and Enerhodar, Rosatom said Wednesday.
  • Russia said the strike came near Europe’s largest nuclear power station, which its forces seized in 2022 and which has remained a flashpoint because its reactors require constant cooling in cold shutdown.
  • Moscow had already accused Ukraine last week of escalating “terror” actions around the plant, while Russian officials on Wednesday again cast the attack in those terms.
  • The killing comes as the wider maritime campaign sharpens: Ukraine said it struck 116 vessels in the Sea of Azov in nine days and hit 20 Russian ships in the Black Sea overnight, prompting Russia to consider rerouting cargo.

Insights

As drones make nuclear plants vulnerable targets, are global safety protocols now obsolete?
Beyond the blame game, what is the real risk of another Chornobyl at Zaporizhzhia?
Can international law stop a nuclear plant from becoming a weapon of war?