As Russia continues its invasion on Ukraine for the ninth day, its troops gained control of the largest Ukrainian nuclear plant. A fire broke out at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, which is the largest nuclear plant in Europe. The fire was brought under control and Russian forces captured the plant, in the early hours of Friday. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said that none of the six reactors in the site have been damaged and the radiation levels are normal. The U.S. Energy Secretary also said that there were no signs of elevated radiation.
Reuters verified a video that showed one building was under fire. There was a volley of incoming shells, according to the outlet which also reported that a large incandescent ball was seen in the sky. It exploded near a car park which was covered by smoke.
The fire was put out later and there was no radiation. However, Raphael Grossi, the chief of the IAEA told the outlet it was “normal operations, but in fact there is nothing normal about this.” He also said that the plant was undamaged.
Another official from the Ukrainian plant told the outlet that his organization lost contact with the plant operations but personnel were working to provide “normal operations of the station.”
The capture of the plant got reactions from all including the Ukrainian president who compared it to “nuclear terrorism.”
Russian defense ministry also maintained that the site was operating as usual. It blamed the attack on Ukrainian saboteurs. It also said that its forces had gained control of the plant.
As Ukrainian politicians and Russian politicians trade words and insults while their armies fire at each other, it is the Ukrainian on the street who is suffering from the consequences, with shortages and hardships. The United Nations said that over a million people have fled the country.
Ukrainian President Zelensky continues to appeal to the world with powerful speeches for help while Russia shuts down dissenting voices of both domestic and international media outlets who do not follow the country’s narrative.
Image Facebook
