We are dangerously close to a nuclear accident. This statement was made by IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi at a meeting of the UN Security Council, speaking about the recent shelling of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, Le Monde reports.

According to Grossi, on April 7, the plant was hit by direct attacks, the first time since November 2022.

One of the strikes hit the protective dome of ZNPP reactor 6, and two more hit objects near the buildings where the reactors are located, injuring at least one person.

According to Grossi, the damage to the dome was external, but such an attack "sets a very dangerous precedent for a successful strike on the reactor's protective shell."

ZNPP officials also told the IAEA that one of the drones hit a facility that produces oxygen and hydrogen, two strikes hit a training center, and another drone was shot down over the turbine hall of Reactor 6.

"We are dangerously close to a nuclear accident. We cannot be careless and leave the development of events to chance. We must do everything in our power today to minimize the risk of an incident," said Grossi.

The IAEA head did not blame either Ukraine or Russia for the shelling of the station, but said that such actions should stop immediately. Grossi also said that there are currently no heavy weapons at ZNPP.