03-05-2022, 12:01 AM
Europe’s largest nuclear plant seized by Russian troops in Ukraine after catching fire
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said Russia’s shelling of a nuclear power station in the south-eastern Ukrainian city of Zaporizhzhia could “directly threaten the safety of all of Europe”.
The power station – the largest in Europe – caught fire after it was attacked by Russia. While the reactor is under renovation, according to the power plant’s spokesman, it still contains nuclear fuel.
The fire, which broke out overnight, has since been extinguished – but Russian troops have now seized the plant.
“Operational personnel are monitoring the condition of power units,” a local authority said on social media, quoted by Reuters news agency.
Station personnel continue to work and monitor the state of the power units, it said.
In an early morning phone call with Ukrainian President Zelensky, Mr Johnson vowed to seek an emergency UN Security Council meeting in a bid for a ceasefire.
Downing Street called the situation in Zaporizhzhia “gravely concerning”.
In a statement sent to PA News Agency, a spokeswoman for the PM’s office said: “Both leaders agreed that Russia must immediately cease its attack on the power station and allow unfettered access for emergency services to the plant.
Read More: Europe’s largest nuclear plant seized by Russian troops in Ukraine after catching fire
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said Russia’s shelling of a nuclear power station in the south-eastern Ukrainian city of Zaporizhzhia could “directly threaten the safety of all of Europe”.
The power station – the largest in Europe – caught fire after it was attacked by Russia. While the reactor is under renovation, according to the power plant’s spokesman, it still contains nuclear fuel.
The fire, which broke out overnight, has since been extinguished – but Russian troops have now seized the plant.
“Operational personnel are monitoring the condition of power units,” a local authority said on social media, quoted by Reuters news agency.
Station personnel continue to work and monitor the state of the power units, it said.
In an early morning phone call with Ukrainian President Zelensky, Mr Johnson vowed to seek an emergency UN Security Council meeting in a bid for a ceasefire.
Downing Street called the situation in Zaporizhzhia “gravely concerning”.
In a statement sent to PA News Agency, a spokeswoman for the PM’s office said: “Both leaders agreed that Russia must immediately cease its attack on the power station and allow unfettered access for emergency services to the plant.
Read More: Europe’s largest nuclear plant seized by Russian troops in Ukraine after catching fire