Ukraine has been suffering from shortages of weapons and munitions on the battlefield in its war against Russia.
The International Atomic Energy Agency said the strike has "potential to undermine integrity of the reactor's containment system".
The energy ministry said Ukraine has sharply increased imports of electricity and stopped exports on Sunday after attacks on the energy system.
The attacks were on Kyiv and the western Ukrainian region of Lviv.
It was the deadliest attack in weeks.
"This is not some political skirmish that (only) matters on the American political scene."
"When you see that you are defeated... you have to have the courage to negotiate," Francis said.
The Biden administration was specifically concerned Russia might use a tactical or battlefield nuclear weapon.
Ukrainian forces experienced a setback following nine months of mostly stable front lines when Avdiivka fell into Russian hands last month.
