Russia accuses Ukraine of attacking fuel tankers near Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant

On September 11, 2026, Russian state nuclear energy agency chief Alexei Likhachev accused Ukrainian forces of conducting a series of coordinated strikes against diesel fuel tankers near the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. According to Likhachev, the attack resulted in the deaths of two Russian soldiers and left several others wounded. The tankers were reportedly supplying diesel to the facility, which remains under Russian military control.

Likhachev claimed that the strikes occurred dangerously close to the plant's perimeter, potentially threatening nuclear safety. The Zaporizhzhia site, which is Europe's largest nuclear power facility, has been occupied by Russian forces since the early weeks of the invasion in February 2022. Both sides have repeatedly traded accusations regarding military actions in the vicinity of the plant, often citing concerns about the risk of a potential nuclear accident.

The Russian authorities have characterized the incident as a deliberate escalation, while Ukrainian officials have not yet provided a specific response to the allegations. No information has been provided regarding follow-up investigations or specific safety measures taken at the site following this reported attack.