Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Russian forces of deliberately setting fire to the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in southeastern Ukraine. The incident occurred amidst the ongoing conflict between the two countries, with Russia launching a full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Zelensky made the allegations in a televised address, stating that multiple fires had broken out at the plant and that it was a “great danger for all of Europe.” He called on the International Atomic Energy Agency to send a mission to assess the situation and provide assistance.
The Zaporizhzhia plant is the largest nuclear power plant in Europe and is located near the city of Enerhodar, about 200 miles southeast of Kyiv. The plant has six reactors and is crucial to Ukraine’s energy supply.
The Ukrainian government has declared a state of emergency at the plant and has ordered the evacuation of nearby towns and villages. Firefighters are reportedly struggling to contain the blaze, which has caused a spike in radiation levels in the area.
Russian authorities have denied any involvement in the incident and have accused Ukraine of spreading disinformation. The Russian Defense Ministry claimed that the fire was caused by a technical malfunction and was quickly extinguished.
The escalation of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine has raised concerns about the safety and security of Ukraine’s nuclear power plants. The International Atomic Energy Agency has called for calm and for all parties to ensure the safety of these facilities.
The situation at the Zaporizhzhia plant remains tense, with fears of a potential nuclear disaster looming. The international community is closely monitoring the situation and is urging both Russia and Ukraine to find a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
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