Nuclear plant ‘secured’ amid warning of ‘Chernobyl x 10’ during attack

Independent | After a warning that a Russian strike may result in "Chernobyl times ten," one of Europe's major nuclear reactors was "protected."

After heavy combat between local troops and Vladimir Putin's army, a fire broke out at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.

A fire had broken out in the region, according to Dmytro Orlov, and the plant had come under "strong weapons fire," according to a spokesman for the company.

"There is a real possibility of nuclear risk in Europe's largest atomic energy station," plant spokesman Andriy Tuz warned in a video shared on Telegram.

Ukraine's foreign minister, Dmytro Kuleba, said Russia was "shooting from all sides" at the facility, adding, "If it blows up, it will be ten times bigger than Chornobyl." The fire must be put out IMMEDIATELY, firefighters must be allowed to work, and a security zone must be established!"

Later, Ukrainian officials stated that the nuclear power facility had been secured and that "nuclear safety is now assured."