The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has issued a stark warning about “growing risks” to nuclear safety following fresh rounds of shelling near the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) in southern Ukraine — Europe’s largest nuclear facility.

According to the UN nuclear watchdog, around 15 rounds of shelling were reported on Sunday afternoon near and at mid-range from the site. Two shells landed approximately 1.25 kilometers from the plant’s perimeter, though no casualties or damage were immediately reported.

IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi said the incident further highlights the constant dangers facing the ZNPP amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. “The nuclear safety and security situation is clearly not improving. On the contrary, the risks are growing,” Grossi said in a statement.

He explained that the plant has now been without off-site power for almost two weeks, forcing it to rely on emergency diesel generators to cool its shutdown reactors and spent nuclear fuel. “This is an extraordinarily challenging situation,” Grossi added, emphasizing that the prolonged loss of external power poses significant threats to the plant’s safety systems.

The IAEA chief called for “maximum military restraint near nuclear facilities” and said he would continue diplomatic efforts with both Russia and Ukraine to restore off-site power as soon as possible.

The Zaporizhzhia plant lost its last remaining 750-kilovolt power line connection on September 23 during fighting in the region. Since then, eight diesel generators have been supplying back-up electricity to sustain essential operations.

Experts warn that continued disruption of power supplies could lead to a nuclear emergency if the generators fail. The IAEA has maintained a presence at the site since 2022, repeatedly urging both sides to prevent attacks near nuclear infrastructure.