ZAPORIZHZHIA, Russia: Moscow and Kyiv are trading accusations over a fire that erupted on Sunday at the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine, Europe’s largest nuclear facility. Both sides reported that the blaze, which occurred on the grounds of the plant, had not led to any radiation leaks, though the situation remains tense.
The fire broke out following a series of explosions near the northern area of the plant, which has been under Russian control since the early days of the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which has monitors stationed at the plant, reported seeing “strong, dark smoke” rising from the site. IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi issued a stern warning, condemning the attacks as reckless and emphasizing the heightened risk of a nuclear accident.
Russia’s state news agencies, including TASS and RIA, claimed that the fire was caused by a drone attack that damaged a cooling tower. However, Ukrainian authorities accused Russia of intentionally setting the fire, citing negligence or possible arson. Both countries have used the plant’s strategic importance to exchange blame, with Russia accusing Ukraine of attempting to create “nuclear terror” and Ukraine asserting that Russian control over the facility is a constant threat to safety.
The fire comes on the heels of Ukraine’s recent military incursion into Russian territory, marking a new phase in the ongoing conflict. This escalation has intensified concerns over the safety of the Zaporizhzhia plant, which remains near the front lines of the war. Although the plant’s six reactors are in cold shutdown, they still require external power to maintain cooling systems and prevent a nuclear disaster.
Video footage released by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy shows thick black smoke billowing from the plant’s cooling tower. Zelenskiy reiterated that while radiation levels remain normal, the ongoing Russian control of the plant poses a grave risk.
The IAEA has called for immediate access to the site to assess the damage and ensure nuclear safety. However, with both Russia and Ukraine deeply entrenched in their positions, the situation around the Zaporizhzhia plant continues to be a flashpoint in the broader conflict, raising fears of a potential nuclear crisis.
