Black smoke was spotted rising from the cooling tower at Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine, which is currently occupied by Russian troops. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russia of intentionally starting the fire as a provocation, but reassured that radiation levels remained normal.
Zelensky took to Telegram to express his concerns, stating that as long as Russian forces control the nuclear power plant, the situation cannot be considered normal. He emphasized that only Ukraine’s control over the plant can ensure safety and return to normalcy. Yevhen Yevtushenko, head of the Nikopol district military administration, also accused Russia of provocation or an attempt to create panic.
The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant has been under Russian control since 2022, although it legally belongs to Ukraine under international law. Russian propaganda channels tried to shift blame to Ukraine by alleging that Ukrainian forces shelled the plant, causing the fire. However, they also claimed that there was no increased radiation danger.
The Putin-appointed governor of the occupied Zaporizhia region, Yevgeny Balitsky, claimed that the cooling tower fire was a result of Ukrainian Armed Forces shelling the city of Energodar. He assured that all six power units of the plant were in cold shutdown, and there was no risk of a steam explosion or other consequences. The radiation levels around the plant and the city were reported to be normal.
The incident at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant has raised concerns about the safety and security of nuclear facilities in the region. The international community, including the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), is expected to respond to the situation. It is crucial to hold Russia accountable for any actions that endanger the safety of nuclear power plants and the surrounding areas.
As the situation unfolds, it is essential to monitor developments and ensure that accurate information is disseminated to the public. The safety of nuclear power plants should be a top priority, and measures must be taken to prevent any further incidents that could jeopardize the well-being of the population. Stay tuned for updates on this ongoing situation.
