IAEA demands access to Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant after drone strike

China

IAEA demands access to Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant after drone strike

2026-05-31 12:40 Last Updated At：15:07

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said on Saturday that its team stationed at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant has requested access to the site for an investigation after a drone strike damaged the turbine hall at the plant.

The drone attack was the first one taking place within the perimeter of the nuclear power plant since April 2024, said the agency.

IAEA said it will keep the investigation updated based on further reports from the investigation team once on-site inspection is permitted.

IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi on Saturday expressed serious concern over the incident, warning that attacks on nuclear facilities are "like playing with fire".

'Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles' scheme extended to 2031

The period of validity of the "Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles" scheme has been extended by five years to June 1, 2031, according to a circular released by the People's Government of Guangdong Province on Saturday.

The scheme came into effect on June 1, 2023, with a three-year period of validity at first.

Since July 1, 2023, eligible Hong Kong private cars have been allowed to travel between Hong Kong and south China's Guangdong Province via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge without the need to obtain regular quotas.