A fire broke out today in the cooling system of the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant in southern Ukraine, leading to a heated exchange of accusations between Ukraine and Russia.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that while radiation levels are currently normal, the situation remains perilous as long as Russian forces control the facility.

Governor Balitsky, appointed by Russian authorities, assured that the radiological environment around the plant is stable, with all six reactors shut down for safety.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has observers stationed at the facility, which remains offline due to safety concerns but still requires cooling.

The IAEA confirmed the presence of smoke and explosions near the plant but reported no impact on nuclear safety.

The IAEA has consistently warned of the risks of a nuclear incident due to the ongoing conflict, urging all parties to exercise maximum restraint.

Zelenskyy called for an international response and accountability from the IAEA regarding Russia's actions at the plant.

Russian officials, including Vladimir Rogov, accused Ukraine of launching a drone attack targeting the power plant, labeling it as a deliberate act.

Zelenskyy accused Russia of using the nuclear facility as leverage against Ukraine and the international community.

Both sides have accused each other of military aggression, with Ukraine alleging that Russia has militarized the site by placing heavy weapons within its perimeter.

The Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, the largest in Europe, has been under Russian control since the beginning of the invasion and has faced repeated shelling, raising global concerns about a potential nuclear accident.

Russia has occupied the Zaporizhzhia plant since shortly after the invasion of Ukraine began in 2022, complicating the safety and operational status of the facility.