The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has requested access to the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in southeastern Ukraine following reports of a drone strike at the Russian-controlled facility, raising renewed concerns about nuclear safety in the war zone.

According to the United Nations nuclear watchdog, officials at the plant informed IAEA inspectors that a drone struck a turbine building within the complex, creating a hole in the structure's wall. The agency said it has requested permission for its on-site team to inspect the affected area and assess any potential damage.

Russia's state nuclear energy corporation, Rosatom, accused Ukraine of carrying out the attack. Rosatom chief Alexei Likhachev said a Ukrainian "kamikaze combat drone" struck the turbine hall of Power Unit No. 6 on Saturday, triggering an explosion.

"The explosion caused no damage to the primary equipment; however, it tore a hole in the turbine hall wall," Likhachev said, describing the incident as a deliberate attack.

Ukraine strongly denied the accusation, dismissing Moscow's claims as propaganda. In a statement, the Ukrainian military said its forces strictly adhere to international humanitarian law and understand the risks associated with military activity near nuclear facilities.

"There was no active fighting in the relevant section of the front line at the time of the incident, and no weapons were used," the military said.

The Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, located in Russian-occupied territory since March 2022, is the largest nuclear facility in Europe. The plant has six reactors with a total generating capacity of nearly 6,000 megawatts. All reactors have been shut down since the facility came under Russian control due to ongoing safety concerns.

IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi expressed alarm over the reported strike, warning against military activity around nuclear installations.

"Attacking nuclear sites is like playing with fire," Grossi said in remarks released by the agency.

The IAEA noted that if confirmed, the incident would mark the first reported drone attack within the perimeter of the Zaporizhzhia plant since April 2024. The agency said its inspection team is seeking direct access to the turbine building to independently verify the circumstances of the incident and evaluate any risks to nuclear safety.