The International Atomic Energy Agency is warning recent drone strikes on a nuclear reactor at the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia plant in Ukraine could increase the risk of a major nuclear accident. The IAEA did not say who carried out the strikes, but Russia has accused Ukraine of carrying out three recent drone strikes on Zaporizhzhia, the largest nuclear plant in Europe.
In other news from Ukraine, Russia is continuing to intensify its attacks on Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city. On Saturday, at least seven people died in drone strikes that hit residential areas. Meanwhile, President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned Ukraine could soon run out of air defense missiles.
President Volodymyr Zelensky: “The current intensity of Russia is quite high. As of today, we have a reserve of air defense missiles, but I believe we need to think about tomorrow. The intensity could stay the same, and then we wouldn’t have enough. If they keep hitting Ukraine every day the way they have for the last month, we might run out of missiles.”
Zelensky’s comments come as Republican lawmakers in Washington remain deeply divided over sending more military aid to Ukraine. Embattled Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson is expected to unveil a new Ukraine funding bill in the coming days.