Reactor hit but radiation levels 'normal' as Russia attacks nuclear plant
A fire at a nuclear power station in Ukraine, the largest in Europe, is now out after overnight shelling by Russian forces.
The fire started in one of the training buildings on the compound of the nuclear power station, and while there has been some damage to the compartment of one of the reactors, authorities say it doesn't impact the safety of the power unit.
Russian troops are now in control of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station which is located in southern Ukraine on the Dneiper River. In normal times it produces about a fifth of Ukraine's electricity, with a total capacity of 6,000 megawatts - enough to light up around four million homes.
Local officials said that measurements taken at 0700 EET on Friday morning showed radiation levels in the region “remain unchanged and do not endanger the lives and health of the population.”
The fire has now been put out, and there are no reports of fatalities, according to the Ukrainian State Emergency Service.
Leading nuclear authorities were concerned - but not panicked - about the damage to the power station. The assault triggered phone calls between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Canadian PM Justin Trudeau and US President Joe Biden; as well as German and Polish leaders. The US Department of Energy activated its nuclear incident response team as a precaution.
Trudeau described the attack on the nuclear facility "horrific" and "unacceptable" while Johnson said the Russian attack was "reckless" and says he will call an emergency meeting of the United Nations to discuss the situation.
In an emotional speech in the middle of the night, Zelenskyy said he feared an explosion that would be "the end for everyone. The end for Europe.
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