Russian nuclear head says Ukraine attacked fuel trucks, endangered Zaporizhzhia plant

Key Points:

• The head of Russia's state nuclear energy corporation, Alexei Likhachev, accused Ukraine of attacking diesel fuel trucks near the Russian-held Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, resulting in the deaths of two Russian servicemen and injuries to others.
• The attack occurred on Friday and targeted fuel trucks critical for powering diesel generators that keep the plant's nuclear fuel cool during power outages, with strikes hitting close to the plant's perimeter.
• The Zaporizhzhia plant, Europe's largest with six reactors, was seized by Russian forces early in the Ukraine conflict, with both sides accusing each other of endangering the plant's safety.
• Ukraine has demanded Russia relinquish control of the plant, a demand Moscow has rejected; the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) maintains a permanent observer team at the site and has facilitated ceasefires to enable repairs.
• The plant's diesel fuel currently does not generate electricity, but remains vital for safety systems, especially since external power links were down for nearly three weeks recently.