Dangerous approach: IAEA records Russian drones near two Ukrainian nuclear power plants

In particular, IAEA specialist teams at the Khmelnytskyi and Rivne nuclear power plants reported hearing explosions and gunfire during the night of September 9–10. Experts also reported the sounds of drones flying near the cities of Netishyn and Varash, where the Agency’s observers are based near the nuclear power plants.

Specifically, nine drones were detected near the Khmelnytskyi NPP, flying three kilometers from the location of the IAEA experts. Thirteen drones were detected several kilometers from the Rivne NPP.

"While there were no reports of any direct impact on nuclear safety and security at the two sites, Director General Grossi stressed that any military activity in the vicinity of an NPP could put it at risk and should cease immediately," the statement said.

Grossi himself noted that, according to the observers, "large-scale military activities" were heard during the night of September 10. He stressed that maximum military restraint must be exercised near nuclear power plants, as a serious nuclear accident could harm the entire world.

Russian strike on Ukraine on September 10

Russian forces launched a massive attack on Ukraine on September 10, with the main focus on the central and western regions. Explosions were heard in Lutsk, Kyiv, Lviv, Vinnytsia, and several other cities.

Lviv Mayor Andrii Sadovyi reported explosions and air defense activity in the city. Drones also struck Burshtyn in the Ivano-Frankivsk region, and explosions were reported in Vinnytsia. As a result of the Russian attack in the Cherkasy region, a power line was damaged.

During the night attack, Russian forces also carried out a combined strike in the Khmelnytskyi region using both attack drones and missiles.

For more details on the Russian attack on Ukraine on September 10, see the RBC-Ukraine report.