Drone targets UN vehicle en route to Ukrainian nuclear plant inspection
The strike severely damaged the armored vehicle
© Reuters
Peacekeepers are typically personnel deployed by international organizations to help maintain peace in areas where there is conflict. Unlike private military contractors, peacekeepers’ missions are focused on protecting civilians, supporting democratic processes, promoting human rights, and facilitating aid. They are viewed as impartial entities that operate with the consent of the countries that host them. Yet, more and more peacekeepers are facing targeted attacks and violence, while controversies regarding some of their activities loom in the background.
A drone strike targeted an armored vehicle belonging to the UN’s atomic watchdog on Tuesday, December 10, as it traveled to inspect a Ukrainian nuclear power plant. The strike happened while the vehicle was traveling in a convoy to the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) was visiting to help protect the plant, fearing it could be damaged in the fighting between Russia and Ukraine, which might cause a nuclear disaster.
The strike severely damaged the back of the armored vehicle, but both occupants emerged unharmed.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has attributed the attack to Russia. “This attack clearly demonstrated how Russia treats anything related to international law, global institutions, and safety. The Russians could not have been unaware of their target,” Zelensky said.
IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi also denounced the strike: “I have said in the past that attacking a nuclear power plant is a no-go. Attacking those who care for the nuclear safety and security of these plants is also absolutely unacceptable.”
Curious to know more about the work of the peacekeepers? Click through the gallery.
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