Escalating Tensions: Fire Breaks Out at Russian-Occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant

A fire broke out at the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine, with Moscow and Kyiv trading blame. The International Atomic Energy Agency reported no elevated radiation levels. The incident follows Ukraine's recent largest incursion into Russian-held territory since the 2022 conflict began, intensifying the ongoing war.

A fire erupted at Europe's largest nuclear power plant located in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine, with Moscow and Kyiv each accusing the other of instigating the blaze. Both sides reported no signs of elevated radiation.

The U.N.'s International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) declared that its experts observed thick, dark smoke emanating from the plant's northern area after multiple explosions. Russian news agencies, including TASS, reported that the main fire was extinguished shortly before midnight, according to the country's nuclear energy company, Rosatom.

This development comes shortly after Ukraine's major incursion into Russian territory, marking a new phase in the ongoing conflict that began in 2022. Despite the fire's containment, both Ukrainian and Russian officials continue to accuse each other of jeopardizing nuclear safety.

(With inputs from agencies.)