Russia and Ukraine Trade Blame Over Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant Fire

Russia and Ukraine accused each other of starting a fire at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine, with no elevated radiation reported. The IAEA called for an immediate stop to the attacks, while the fire caused significant damage to a cooling tower. Both sides deny responsibility.

Russia and Ukraine traded accusations on Sunday over a fire at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, currently under Russian control, with both sides denying responsibility. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported seeing thick smoke emanating from the northern part of the plant after multiple blasts, though no elevated radiation levels were detected.

IAEA Chief Rafael Grossi condemned the attacks, warning they jeopardized nuclear safety and increased the risk of a catastrophic accident. He called for an immediate cessation of hostilities around the plant. The blaze damaged a crucial cooling tower, with Rosatom head Alexei Likhachev claiming Ukrainian drone strikes were responsible, although no evidence was provided.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, however, accused Russia of starting the fire, visible from nearby Nikopol. The conflicting narratives underscored the ongoing tensions and dangers surrounding the plant, a key flashpoint in the broader conflict that began in 2022.