Alexei Likhachev, the head of Russia’s state nuclear energy corporation, Rosatom, has leveled accusations against Ukraine, claiming that Ukrainian forces targeted diesel fuel trucks, resulting in the deaths of two Russian servicemen. Likhachev stated that the incident occurred on Friday during what he described as a series of combined strikes, noting that the attack took place very close to the perimeter of the Russian-held Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.
According to the Rosatom chief, the fuel trucks were involved in a purely civilian mission to deliver diesel to the site. He reported that in addition to the two fatalities, a significant number of Russian soldiers sustained injuries, some of which were described as serious. Diesel supplies are considered essential for the station, as they power generators that keep nuclear fuel in the reactors cool during periods when the two external power links are unavailable.
The plant, which is the largest of its kind in Europe with six reactors, currently does not generate electricity. External power connections were previously out of service for nearly three weeks during August and September. Since seizing the facility in the early weeks of the war that began in February 2022, Russian forces have maintained control, though both Moscow and Kiev have frequently traded accusations regarding safety risks and the potential for a nuclear accident at the site.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has maintained a permanent observer team at the station and at Ukraine's three other operational plants. The agency has functioned as an intermediary during disputes, including brokering a local ceasefire last month to facilitate repairs and the restoration of external power links. While Ukraine has consistently demanded that Russia withdraw from the facility and return its operation to Kiev, Moscow has rejected these calls.
