Ukraine, Russia Blame Each Other for IAEA Attack

Ukraine and Russia are embroiled in a blame game over a drone attack on a vehicle transporting staff from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) near the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Russia of deliberately targeting the convoy, asserting that there were no casualties but demanding international accountability. Conversely, the Russian Foreign Ministry condemned Ukraine's actions, labeling them as provocations that jeopardize nuclear safety and calling for an end to support for Zelenskyy's government. IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi confirmed that the vehicle was severely damaged but noted that the personnel were unharmed. This incident comes before an extraordinary IAEA Board of Governors meeting initiated by Ukraine, intensifying the ongoing tensions regarding nuclear safety amidst the conflict. Both sides have a history of accusing each other of endangering nuclear facilities since Russia's control of the Zaporizhzhia plant in 2022.