Moscow, Kyiv trade blame for fire at Europe’s largest nuclear power plant Zaporizhzhia
Fire erupts at Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia plant, but no effect on nuclear safety reported: UN watchdog, Zaporizhzhia, August 12, 2024 (AA Photo)
Amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, a fire broke out at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, the largest in Europe.
Ukrainian authorities accused Russian forces of causing the fire, while Moscow blamed Kyiv.
The fire reportedly affected the plant’s cooling system, but officials have stated that there is no immediate danger to the plant’s operation.
Yevgeniy Balitskiy, the governor of the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia region, confirmed that the fire was under control and emphasized that the plant’s six units are in cold shutdown, eliminating any risk of explosion or other hazards.
He also noted that radiation levels in the area remain normal.
The Zaporizhzhia plant has been under Russian control since March 2022, and its surroundings have frequently been the site of artillery exchanges, with both Russia and Ukraine accusing each other of attacks.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reiterated that the fire was started by Russian forces while confirming that current radiation levels are safe.
The war, which has persisted for two and a half years, has seen its focus shift to various regions, including Donetsk, Luhansk and the southern areas of Kherson and Zaporizhzhia.
Recently, hostilities have intensified along the Russian-Ukrainian border, with Ukrainian forces launching attacks on Kursk.
