A senior security official at the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in southern Ukraine was killed in a car bomb attack on the morning of October 4, 2024. The victim, identified as Andrei Korotkiy, was an employee in the security department of the plant, which has been under Russian occupation since early 2022. The attack took place near his home in Enerhodar, a city located within the occupied Zaporizhzhia region.
You can watch security footage of the horrific attack here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8C8r508aGDI
Ukraine’s military intelligence, known as the Main Intelligence Directorate, claimed responsibility for the bombing.
Yes – this was a Ukrainian strike against a Ukrainian…in Ukraine!
In a statement released on their official Telegram channel, they referred to Korotkiy as a “war criminal” and a collaborator with Russian forces. Ukrainian officials accused him of playing a direct role in repressing pro-Ukrainian staff at the nuclear facility, allegedly providing Russian authorities with a list of employees and identifying those who held pro-Ukrainian views. The Ukrainian intelligence agency warned that all war criminals would eventually face “fair punishment.”
The Russian Investigative Committee, responsible for probing serious crimes, confirmed that Korotkiy’s death was caused by an explosive device placed under his car. They have opened a criminal investigation into the attack, calling it a “targeted killing.” The plant’s director, Yuri Chernichuk, condemned the attack, describing it as a “horrific and inhumane act” and vowing that those responsible would be brought to justice. He also characterized the attack as a reckless assault on personnel responsible for ensuring the safety of the nuclear facility.
The Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, the largest in Europe, has been a major point of contention since the early days of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Although the plant is currently not operational, its strategic importance and the risks posed by its proximity to ongoing military conflict have made it a flashpoint in the war. Both Russia and Ukraine have repeatedly accused each other of endangering the plant with attacks, though each side denies the allegations.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which has had permanent monitors stationed at the plant, has called for both sides to refrain from any further actions that could jeopardize the safety of the nuclear site. The agency continues to emphasize the grave risks of escalating military activities around the facility.