A fire has erupted at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, sparking international concern. The blaze, which started in the cooling system, has led to a blame game between Russia and Ukraine. Authorities are closely monitoring radiation levels as tensions escalate. Here’s the latest on the situation.
Yevgeniy Balitskiy, the appointed governor of the Zaporizhzhia region, which is under Russian control, provided an update on the situation at the plant in a written statement. According to Balitskiy, there is no dangerous situation at the plant, and the process is under control. However, precautionary measures and inspections are ongoing.
Officials have also confirmed that radiation levels in the plant and the surrounding city are normal, and efforts to extinguish the fire are continuing.
Located in southeastern Ukraine, the plant was captured by Russian forces in March 2022 and is currently under Russian military control. While artillery attacks have occurred around the plant, Ukraine and Russia are blaming each other for the fire.
However, multiple explosions have been noted at the plant. IAEA experts reported that 'after hearing several explosions in the evening, they witnessed thick, dark smoke coming from the northern part of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. The team was informed that a drone attack targeted one of the cooling towers. No impact on nuclear safety has been reported.'
Ukrainian President Zelensky stated, 'Russian forces started a fire at the nuclear plant,' while also confirming that radiation levels at the plant are normal. Russia, on the other hand, claimed, 'Ukraine bombed the city of Enerhodar, causing the fire,' drawing attention to the situation.