Ukraine and Russia trade blame for fire at Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant

YEREVAN, AUGUST 12, ARMENPRESS. Kyiv and Moscow are trading blame after a fire broke out at a cooling tower of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant which was seized by Russian forces in 2022.

Both Ukraine and Russia said that radiation levels were normal.

Russian authorities said the plant caught fire after being shelled by Ukrainian forces, while Ukraine said the fire was caused by Russian negligence or arson.

The fire is under control, RT reported citing Russian officials.

"No impact has been reported for nuclear safety," the IAEA, which has experts stationed at the plant, said.

"IAEA experts witnessed strong dark smoke coming from ZNPP's northern area following multiple explosions heard in the evening," the UN agency said in a post on social media platform X.

It said the plant had reported to them an "alleged drone attack today on one of the cooling towers".