Drone attacks on the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant have escalated tensions between Russia and Ukraine, with both sides trading blame.

The International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed the drone strikes, reporting one casualty, while the plant's reactors remain non-operational for months.

The Institute for the Study of War indicates Russia is using control over the plant to assert legitimacy over occupied Ukrainian territory.

Recent Russian bombings in the Zaporizhia region resulted in three fatalities, underlining the conflict's deadly consequences.

Ukrainian President Zelensky is seeking additional US-supplied Patriot air defense missiles to counteract heightened Russian air strikes.

US aid, including critical defense resources, is currently delayed in Congress, raising concerns about nuclear safety and wider regional security.

President Zelensky has called for increased support from international allies in response to intensified attacks on Kharkiv and other regions.