The United Nations (UN) nuclear watchdog said on Monday it had found anti-personnel mines in an area of the Russian-held Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine and complained for the second month running that this violated safety procedures.

The plant, Europe's largest nuclear facility, was seized in the first days of Russia's invasion last year. Ukraine and Russia accuse each other of shelling around the station and the International Atomic Energy Agency has been trying to set up a safety mechanism to prevent accidents.

Rafael Grossi, the IAEA's director general, said agency inspectors stationed at the plant had noted mines in a buffer zone between the site’s internal and external perimeter barriers and had also observed mines during previous checks.

"But having such explosives on the site is inconsistent with the IAEA safety standards and nuclear security guidance and creates additional psychological pressure on plant staff," Grossi said in a statement on the agency's website.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iaea-team-to-inspect-zaporizhzhia-nuclear-plant-ukraine-seeks-control-over-nuke-plant-511611">WATCH |&nbsp;IAEA team to inspect Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant; Ukraine seeks control over nuke plant</a>

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Grossi had issued a similar warning about mines last month and on both occasions, he suggested they posed no risk to the plant's security.

In Monday's note, he said his agency's initial assessment was that even if they exploded, "these mines should not affect the site's nuclear safety and security systems".

The mines, he said, were in areas inaccessible to staff and inspectors were told "that it is a military decision, and in an area controlled by military".

Grossi has visited the plant three times since it was taken over by Russian forces but has been unable to clinch an agreement with Russian and Ukrainian authorities to set up a safety regime to prevent accidents.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-how-zaporizhzhia-plant-can-become-a-nuclear-flashpoint-in-russia-ukraine-war-590674">Also read |&nbsp;Explained: How Zaporizhzhia plant can become a nuclear flashpoint in Russia-Ukraine war</a>

Tensions have frequently risen over the plant. Each side accused the other this month of plotting an attack on it. 
Moscow says the plant will eventually be connected to Russia's power grid. None of the plant's six reactors has been producing electricity.

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The United Nations (UN) nuclear watchdog said on Monday it had found anti-personnel mines in an area of the Russian-held Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine and complained for the second month running that this violated safety procedures.

The United Nations (UN) nuclear watchdog said on Monday it had found anti-personnel mines in an area of the Russian-held Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine and complained for the second month running that this violated safety procedures. The plant, Europe's largest nuclear facility, was seized in the first days of Russia's invasion last year. Ukraine and Russia accuse each other of shelling around the station and the International Atomic Energy Agency has been trying to set up a safety mechanism to prevent accidents. Rafael Grossi, the IAEA's director general, said agency inspectors stationed at the plant had noted mines in a buffer zone between the site’s internal and external perimeter barriers and had also observed mines during previous checks. "But having such explosives on the site is inconsistent with the IAEA safety standards and nuclear security guidance and creates additional psychological pressure on plant staff," Grossi said in a statement on the agency's website. WATCH | IAEA team to inspect Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant; Ukraine seeks control over nuke plant × Grossi had issued a similar warning about mines last month and on both occasions, he suggested they posed no risk to the plant's security. In Monday's note, he said his agency's initial assessment was that even if they exploded, "these mines should not affect the site's nuclear safety and security systems". The mines, he said, were in areas inaccessible to staff and inspectors were told "that it is a military decision, and in an area controlled by military". Grossi has visited the plant three times since it was taken over by Russian forces but has been unable to clinch an agreement with Russian and Ukrainian authorities to set up a safety regime to prevent accidents. Also read | Explained: How Zaporizhzhia plant can become a nuclear flashpoint in Russia-Ukraine war Tensions have frequently risen over the plant. Each side accused the other this month of plotting an attack on it. Moscow says the plant will eventually be connected to Russia's power grid. None of the plant's six reactors has been producing electricity. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Mines found at Russia-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant: UN watchdog

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in a call with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron, expressed concerns about Russia's intentions to carry out "dangerous provocations" at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, which is currently under Moscow's control.&nbsp;

The plant, Europe's largest, has been a subject of ongoing safety concerns since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which has been ongoing for over a year now. Zelensky stressed the need to maintain maximum control over the situation and involve the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in addressing the potential risks.

"I warned Emmanuel Macron that the occupation troops are preparing for dangerous provocations at the Zaporizhzhia plant," Zelensky told Macron and added, "We agreed to keep the situation under maximum control together with the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency)."&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/discovery-of-cocaine-in-white-house-library-prompts-secret-service-investigation-611984">Discovery of cocaine in White House library prompts secret service investigation</a>

Over the weekend, Zelensky&nbsp;told media personnel in Kyiv, "There is a serious threat. Russia is technically ready to provoke a local explosion at the plant, which could lead to the release of dangerous substances into the air."

“We are discussing all this with our partners so that everyone understands why Russia is doing this and put pressure on the Russian Federation politically so that they don't even think about such a thing," he added.&nbsp;

<h2>Ukraine's military intelligence claims</h2>

The previous week, Ukraine's State Emergency Service organised drills focused on radioactive safety in the Zaporizhzhia region. According to information from Ukrainian Military Intelligence, a group of Russian military personnel and nuclear power plant workers supported by Russia were observed gradually departing from the facility.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-military-is-completing-mission-in-west-bank-says-pm-netanyahu-death-toll-in-jenin-rises-to-11-611977">Israeli military is ‘completing mission’ in West Bank, says PM Netanyahu; death toll in Jenin rises to 11</a>

“Among the first to leave the station were three Rosatom employees, who managed the actions of the Russians,” Ukrainian military intelligence said in a statement. As per Politico's report, the Russian workers were asked to depart the facility by 5 July.

“The personnel remaining at the station were instructed to blame Ukraine in case of any emergencies," the statement claimed.&nbsp;

According to the military's claim, objects resembling explosive devices had been placed on the outer roof of two reactors, with the intention of creating an impression of Ukrainian shelling while avoiding damage to the power units.

WATCH | Gravitas: Russia says Ukraine attacked Moscow with 5 drones

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<h2>Response from Russia's Rosatom &nbsp;</h2>

In response, Renat Karchaa, an adviser to Russia's Rosatom nuclear agency, accused Ukraine of planning an attack on the nuclear plant. Karchaa alleged that the Ukrainian army would attempt to target the Zaporizhzhia facility using high-precision, long-range weapons and drones.

"Today, we got information that I am authorised to announce... On July 5, literally at night, in the dark, the Ukrainian army will try to attack the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant," Karchaa told Russian state television.

Since the beginning of the war in February 2022, both Russia and Ukraine have repeatedly accused each other of jeopardising the safety of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. The situation remains tense as the international community closely monitors developments at the facility.

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in a call with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron, expressed concerns about Russia's intentions to carry out "dangerous provocations" at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, which is currently under Moscow's control.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in a call with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron, expressed concerns about Russia's intentions to carry out "dangerous provocations" at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, which is currently under Moscow's control. The plant, Europe's largest, has been a subject of ongoing safety concerns since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which has been ongoing for over a year now. Zelensky stressed the need to maintain maximum control over the situation and involve the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in addressing the potential risks. "I warned Emmanuel Macron that the occupation troops are preparing for dangerous provocations at the Zaporizhzhia plant," Zelensky told Macron and added, "We agreed to keep the situation under maximum control together with the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency)." Also Read | Discovery of cocaine in White House library prompts secret service investigation Over the weekend, Zelensky told media personnel in Kyiv, "There is a serious threat. Russia is technically ready to provoke a local explosion at the plant, which could lead to the release of dangerous substances into the air." “We are discussing all this with our partners so that everyone understands why Russia is doing this and put pressure on the Russian Federation politically so that they don't even think about such a thing," he added. Ukraine's military intelligence claims The previous week, Ukraine's State Emergency Service organised drills focused on radioactive safety in the Zaporizhzhia region. According to information from Ukrainian Military Intelligence, a group of Russian military personnel and nuclear power plant workers supported by Russia were observed gradually departing from the facility. Also Read | Israeli military is ‘completing mission’ in West Bank, says PM Netanyahu; death toll in Jenin rises to 11 “Among the first to leave the station were three Rosatom employees, who managed the actions of the Russians,” Ukrainian military intelligence said in a statement. As per Politico's report, the Russian workers were asked to depart the facility by 5 July. “The personnel remaining at the station were instructed to blame Ukraine in case of any emergencies," the statement claimed. According to the military's claim, objects resembling explosive devices had been placed on the outer roof of two reactors, with the intention of creating an impression of Ukrainian shelling while avoiding damage to the power units. WATCH | Gravitas: Russia says Ukraine attacked Moscow with 5 drones × Response from Russia's Rosatom In response, Renat Karchaa, an adviser to Russia's Rosatom nuclear agency, accused Ukraine of planning an attack on the nuclear plant. Karchaa alleged that the Ukrainian army would attempt to target the Zaporizhzhia facility using high-precision, long-range weapons and drones. "Today, we got information that I am authorised to announce... On July 5, literally at night, in the dark, the Ukrainian army will try to attack the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant," Karchaa told Russian state television. Since the beginning of the war in February 2022, both Russia and Ukraine have repeatedly accused each other of jeopardising the safety of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. The situation remains tense as the international community closely monitors developments at the facility. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Zelensky accuses Russia of ‘dangerous provocations’ at nuclear plant, Moscow denies

Operations at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant (NPP) were suspended on Sunday (May 7) as Moscow claimed Kyiv had threatened action as part of its counteroffensive to reclaim Russian-held territory.

Operations at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant (NPP) were suspended on Sunday (May 7) as Moscow claimed Kyiv had threatened action as part of its counteroffensive to reclaim Russian-held territory. Since then, anxiety regarding the safety of the plant has reached an all-time high, perhaps breaching the peak of last year when it was captured in the infancy of the war and subjected to intense damage. Approximately 3,000 people, including around 1,000 minors, have been evacuated from villages close to the frontline. According to Yevgeny Balitsky, the Moscow-installed governor of the Russia-controlled part of the region, Kyiv has been plotting to take control of the plant. "We've seen the level (of water in the nearby Kakhovka Reservoir) rise to 17.08 (metres). We realise that this is manipulation. The nuclear reactors have been suspended," Balitsky was quoted as saying by TASS. Russian forces took over the Zaporizhzhia NPP, the biggest plant in Europe, soon after Moscow announced the invasion of Ukraine on February 24 last year. By March 3, the plant was firmly in the control of Russians, but there lay a problem. ALSO READ | Russia suspends operations at Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, evacuates civilians amid threat of 'provocation' Those who had commandeered the plant did not have the know-how to run the operations. Up until 2014, Ukrainian NPPs used Russian nuclear fuel but now they utilise American-designed fuel produced by Westinghouse. Moreover, the control command of the Ukrainian plants has been remodelled to ape those of modern, sophisticated Western NPPs - a marked departure from the Soviet-era style. Thus, Ukrainian technicians were allowed to remain, at times under extreme duress, after a few were killed to ascertain the hierarchy of order. Since then, the troops from Moscow have turned the facility into a garrison of sorts - using the nuclear storage rooms to hold ammunition, while putting the plant's safety in jeopardy. Nuclear plant's safety on the line The plant has six reactors, which can together produce about 5,700 MW of electricity. It is the biggest source of energy for the former Soviet Union country and caters to about half of its power demand. However, maintaining a nuclear plant, that too safely, requires a series of operations to fall in place. Nuclear plants have to depend on external electricity for a variety of needs, including the operation of water pumping systems to keep the reactors cool. If anything in the delicate system goes off, the situation can turn pear-shaped rather quickly. Even though the six reactors have been shut down, the plant is still at risk as nuclear fuel and radioactive materials, including liquids, remain in the compound. Despite both sides understanding the perils of toying with nuclear energy, the plant has remained a forgotten collateral of the war. Shelling from both sides last year threatened to damage the plant's structural integrity. While Ukraine fires from the Russian side of the lines, Moscow hurls projectiles from Ukrainian-held communities across the Dnieper River. Ukraine already has the blot of Chernobyl on it and another nuclear disaster, that too in the largest nuclear plant of the continent, could wreak damage on a scale hitherto unseen. WATCH | IAEA team to inspect Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant; Ukraine seeks control over nuke plant × Repercussions, if the plant goes bust In March, the plant plunged into its sixth blackout in a year as engineers scrambled to start the diesel generators to keep the critical cooling equipment running. However, testing one's luck repeatedly in a nuclear environment is not the best bet for either party. In the event of an unlikely explosion, the repercussions could be widespread. Firstly, the evacuation attempts will be a race against time to escape the invisible radioactive cloud. Even if somehow one manages to escape it, the effect of a radiation leak can be felt for years to come. Due to the plant’s geographic location, a radiation release could hit any part of the European continent While the radiation will cause long-term harm to Europe, the short-term effects will be even more dastardly - economically and socially. There will be no export of electricity to the European Union (EU) and the region, which is already huffing and puffing due to Russian gas undersupply, might go into a freefall. Though highly unlikely, experts are also concerned that nuclear terrorism might come into play if push comes to shove. Buildings in the nuclear plant have suffered damage and the situation threatens a catastrophic nuclear accident. Russia and Ukraine have blamed each other for the shelling. Take the fight away from the plant: Agencies The United Nations and the International Atomic Energy Agency have been pushing for a protection zone to be set up to prevent further damage to the plant. According to an NYT report, the area where spent nuclear fuel is stored, sustained damage last year and it is unclear what is the current situation. "The general situation in the area near the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant is becoming increasingly unpredictable and potentially dangerous," said Rafael Grossi, IAEA chief, adding that he's concerned. "I’m extremely concerned about the very real nuclear safety and security risks facing the plant." ALSO READ | Ukraine war: Situation around Zaporizhzhia plant becoming increasingly unpredictable, says IAEA head The evacuation of villagers from around the plant points towards the lull before the storm. Ukraine might be gearing up to seize the initiative and counter Russia, but the plant's safety might be the price to pay for it, which would be incredibly expensive. If the plant suffers any more damage, it could potentially open up nuclear faultlines. The effects could be cascading and the countries around could easily be plunged into a World War III-like crisis. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Explained: How Zaporizhzhia plant can become a nuclear flashpoint in Russia-Ukraine war

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) head Rafael Grossi warned on Saturday (May 7) that the situation around the Russian-held Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant was becoming increasingly unpredictable and potentially dangerous.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) head Rafael Grossi warned on Saturday (May 7) that the situation around the Russian-held Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant was becoming increasingly unpredictable and potentially dangerous. "The general situation in the area near the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant is becoming increasingly unpredictable and potentially dangerous," Grossi said on the IAEA's website and called for measures to ensure the plant's safe operation. "I'm extremely concerned about the very real nuclear safety and security risks facing the plant. We must act now to prevent the threat of a severe nuclear accident and its associated consequences for the population and the environment," Grossi added. ALSO READ | Explained: Ukraine downs Russia’s hypersonic Kinzhal missile. Here’s all you need to know The Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant was seized by Russian forces just days after Moscow launched the invasion of Ukraine in February last year. In March, IAEA head Grossi paid a visit to the plant as part of efforts to speak to both sides to secure an agreement on safeguards to ensure the station's safe operation. He repeatedly warned of the dangers of military operations around the plant. On Friday, the Russian-installed governor of the Russia-controlled part of Zaporizhzhia Yevgeny Balitsky said he ordered the evacuation of villages close to the front line with Ukrainian forces there, adding that Ukrainian shelling had intensified in the area recently. Russian nationalist writer injured in car bombing: Report Also on Saturday, prominent Russian nationalist writer Zakhar Prilepin was injured in a car bombing in Russia's Nizhny Novgorod region. According to a report by BBC on Sunday, Prilepin suffered fractures and his driver was killed. Russian investigators claimed they were questioning a suspect named Alexander Permyakov who has admitted operating for Ukraine. ALSO READ | Ukraine strikes Crimean peninsula with over 10 drones The suspect was caught in a neighbouring village. According to the Investigative Committee (SK), the suspect admitted to doing an assignment for the Ukrainian secret services. The Ukrainian government has not commented on the bombing so far. Saturday's car explosion comes a month after pro-Kremlin blogger Vladlen Tatarsky was killed in a bombing at a cafe in St Petersburg. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Ukraine war: Situation around Zaporizhzhia plant becoming increasingly unpredictable, says IAEA head

Ukraine's nuclear agency said on Thursday that one of of the six reactors at a Russian-held nuclear plant in southern Ukraine was shut down due to shelling.

Referring to the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, Energoatom said, "Today at 4:57 am (0157 GMT), due to another mortar shelling by the Russian occupying forces at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant site, the emergency protection was activated and operating power unit 5 was shut down."

Auxiliary generators had to be activated and a power supply line used for the plant's own needs was also damaged due to the shelling.

After reports of fighting in the nearby town of Enerhodar, Russia's defence ministry said that the situation around the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant in Ukraine is "difficult but remains under full control."

Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/zaporizhzhia-the-vast-nuclear-plant-in-the-eye-of-the-war-in-ukraine-510254">Zaporizhzhia: The vast nuclear plant in the eye of the war in Ukraine</a>

Despite efforts by "the Kyiv regime" to disrupt the visit, the defence ministry said it was still ready to guarantee the safety of a delegation from the International Atomic Energy Agency at the plant.

Accusing Russia of trying to wreck the IAEA visit by shelling the plant, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called for immediate de-militarisation of the plant.

With Moscow and Kyiv trading blame for shelling in the vicinity and fuelling fears of a radiation disaster, conditions at Europe's largest nuclear power plant have been unravelling for weeks.

Highlighting that the IAEA was pressing ahead with its plan to visit the facility and meet staff, its chief Rafael Grossi said the mission was aware of "increased military activity in the area".

(With inputs from agencies)

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Ukraine's nuclear agency said on Thursday that one of of the six reactors at a Russian-held nuclear plant in southern Ukraine was shut down due to shelling. Referring to the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, Energoatom said, "Today at 4:57 am (0157 GMT), due to another mortar shelling by the Russian occupying forces at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant site, the emergency protection was activated and operating power unit 5 was shut down.

Ukraine's nuclear agency said on Thursday that one of of the six reactors at a Russian-held nuclear plant in southern Ukraine was shut down due to shelling. Referring to the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, Energoatom said, "Today at 4:57 am (0157 GMT), due to another mortar shelling by the Russian occupying forces at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant site, the emergency protection was activated and operating power unit 5 was shut down." Auxiliary generators had to be activated and a power supply line used for the plant's own needs was also damaged due to the shelling. After reports of fighting in the nearby town of Enerhodar, Russia's defence ministry said that the situation around the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant in Ukraine is "difficult but remains under full control." Also see | Zaporizhzhia: The vast nuclear plant in the eye of the war in Ukraine Despite efforts by "the Kyiv regime" to disrupt the visit, the defence ministry said it was still ready to guarantee the safety of a delegation from the International Atomic Energy Agency at the plant. Accusing Russia of trying to wreck the IAEA visit by shelling the plant, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called for immediate de-militarisation of the plant. With Moscow and Kyiv trading blame for shelling in the vicinity and fuelling fears of a radiation disaster, conditions at Europe's largest nuclear power plant have been unravelling for weeks. Highlighting that the IAEA was pressing ahead with its plan to visit the facility and meet staff, its chief Rafael Grossi said the mission was aware of "increased military activity in the area". (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here: ×

Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant: Operator says one reactor shut down due to shelling

Amidst the fears of a radiation disaster, a team of a United Nations is scheduled to visit the Nuclear plant. International Atomic Energy agency has reached Ukraine and is currently enroute to the Zaporizhzhia N-plant for inspection.

Atomic leak fears at Zaporizhzhia N-plant; Moscow & Kyiv welcome UN Experts

Russia blocked the adoption of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) text over its reported objection to paragraphs linked to the Ukrainian nuclear power plant in Zaporizhzhia which is currently occupied by Russian forces.

"Our delegation has a key objection on some paragraphs which are blatantly political in nature," Russia's representative Igor Vishnevetsky said. The draft text reportedly expressed &nbsp;"grave concern" over military activities around the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant and other nuclear installations in Ukraine.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-militarization-in-arctic-region-strategic-challenge-says-nato-chief-510517">Also Read:&nbsp;Russian militarisation in Arctic region 'strategic challenge', says NATO chief</a>

Conference&nbsp;president Gustavo Zlauvinen declared that an agreement could not be reached after Russia objected to the text. The NPT is reviewed by all 191 signatories every five years. Earlier in the conference, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres had warned that the world faces "a nuclear danger not seen since the height of the Cold War" referring to the Ukraine war.

Watch:&nbsp;Putin orders expansion of Russia’s hard-hit armed forces

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"Today, humanity is just one misunderstanding, one miscalculation away from nuclear annihilation," Guterres said. Russia's latest move comes as Ukraine informed electricity&nbsp; supply from the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant was restored after it was severed on Thursday.

The nuclear power plant was connected to the grid on Friday afternoon as Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky said alert staff averted a 'nuclear disaster' while underlying that situation remains "very risky and dangerous".

Russia had taken control of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant just days after President Vladimir Putin launched his "special military operation" against Ukraine. There have&nbsp;been reports of rocket strikes around the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant area as both Russia and Ukraine have blamed each other.

"Russia has put Ukrainians as well as all Europeans one step away from radiation disaster," Zelensky had said as he blamed Russian shelling for the power cut-off. Meanwhile, Ukraine said an IAEA inspection of Zaporizhzhia plant is being planned for next week even as the US said the electricity produced at the nuclear power plant belonged to Ukraine.

(With inputs from Agencies)

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Russia blocked the adoption of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) text over its reported objection to paragraphs linked to the Ukrainian nuclear power plant in Zaporizhzhia which is currently occupied by Russian forces.

Russia blocked the adoption of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) text over its reported objection to paragraphs linked to the Ukrainian nuclear power plant in Zaporizhzhia which is currently occupied by Russian forces. "Our delegation has a key objection on some paragraphs which are blatantly political in nature," Russia's representative Igor Vishnevetsky said. The draft text reportedly expressed "grave concern" over military activities around the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant and other nuclear installations in Ukraine. Also Read: Russian militarisation in Arctic region 'strategic challenge', says NATO chief Conference president Gustavo Zlauvinen declared that an agreement could not be reached after Russia objected to the text. The NPT is reviewed by all 191 signatories every five years. Earlier in the conference, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres had warned that the world faces "a nuclear danger not seen since the height of the Cold War" referring to the Ukraine war. Watch: Putin orders expansion of Russia’s hard-hit armed forces "Today, humanity is just one misunderstanding, one miscalculation away from nuclear annihilation," Guterres said. Russia's latest move comes as Ukraine informed electricity supply from the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant was restored after it was severed on Thursday. The nuclear power plant was connected to the grid on Friday afternoon as Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky said alert staff averted a 'nuclear disaster' while underlying that situation remains "very risky and dangerous". Russia had taken control of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant just days after President Vladimir Putin launched his "special military operation" against Ukraine. There have been reports of rocket strikes around the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant area as both Russia and Ukraine have blamed each other. "Russia has put Ukrainians as well as all Europeans one step away from radiation disaster," Zelensky had said as he blamed Russian shelling for the power cut-off. Meanwhile, Ukraine said an IAEA inspection of Zaporizhzhia plant is being planned for next week even as the US said the electricity produced at the nuclear power plant belonged to Ukraine. (With inputs from Agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Russia blocks final text of UN's NPT agreement over Zaporizhzhia mention

The Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine is in the eye of the Ukraine war after Kyiv accused Russia of shelling the plant again. Is Europe staring at a catastrophic nuclear disaster? Molly Gambhir explains.

WION Fineprint | Ukraine nuclear plant standoff stirs Chernobyl memories

As the international community expresses concern about the fighting around Europe's largest nuclear power plant, Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Saturday (August 13) that his country is targeting Russian soldiers who shoot at or use the occupied nuclear plant as a shooting base.

Repeating accusations that Russia is using the plant as nuclear blackmail, Zelensky in his evening video address said, "Every Russian soldier&nbsp;who either shoots at the plant, or shoots using the plant as cover, must understand that he becomes a special target for our intelligence agents, for our special services, for our army."&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Ukrainians use 3D tech to preserve the heritage as volunteers scan buildings and monuments

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“And absolutely all officials of the terrorist state, as well as those who help them in this blackmail operation with the nuclear power plant, must answer in an international court,” AFP quoted him as saying.

Early in the battle, Russian troops took control of the station. Ukraine and Russia have traded allegations over a series of recent shelling incidents at Europe's largest Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/volodymyr-zelensky-tells-officials-if-you-want-victory-for-ukraine-stop-talking-to-press-506073" hreflang="en">Volodymyr Zelensky tells officials, 'if you want victory for Ukraine', stop talking to press</a>

Providing an update on Ukraine's frontline actions, he called the battle in Donbas "brutal".

“Fighting in the south of the country brings good news about the destruction of Russian army forces and their means. No day is wasted —&nbsp;we are reducing the occupiers' potential,” he added.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/russia-us-in-talks-over-merchant-of-death-for-basketballer-brittny-griner-moscow-506538" hreflang="en">Russia, US in talks over 'Merchant of Death' swap for basketballer Brittney Griner: Moscow</a>

Zelensky also gave an update on the country's grain export situation. According to him, Ukraine was able to export the same amount of grain from three ports in less than two weeks as it had done by road throughout July.

Two more grain-carrying ships left Ukraine's Black Sea ports on Saturday, according to Turkey's defence ministry, increasing the total number of vessels leaving the nation under an UN-brokered pact to 16 so far.

(With inputs from agencies)

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As the international community expresses concern about the fighting around Europe's largest nuclear power plant, Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Saturday (August 13) that his country is targeting Russian soldiers who shoot at or use the occupied nuclear plant as a shooting base.

As the international community expresses concern about the fighting around Europe's largest nuclear power plant, Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Saturday (August 13) that his country is targeting Russian soldiers who shoot at or use the occupied nuclear plant as a shooting base. Repeating accusations that Russia is using the plant as nuclear blackmail, Zelensky in his evening video address said, "Every Russian soldier who either shoots at the plant, or shoots using the plant as cover, must understand that he becomes a special target for our intelligence agents, for our special services, for our army." Watch | Ukrainians use 3D tech to preserve the heritage as volunteers scan buildings and monuments “And absolutely all officials of the terrorist state, as well as those who help them in this blackmail operation with the nuclear power plant, must answer in an international court,” AFP quoted him as saying. Early in the battle, Russian troops took control of the station. Ukraine and Russia have traded allegations over a series of recent shelling incidents at Europe's largest Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station. Also read | Volodymyr Zelensky tells officials, 'if you want victory for Ukraine', stop talking to press Providing an update on Ukraine's frontline actions, he called the battle in Donbas "brutal". “Fighting in the south of the country brings good news about the destruction of Russian army forces and their means. No day is wasted — we are reducing the occupiers' potential,” he added. Also read | Russia, US in talks over 'Merchant of Death' swap for basketballer Brittney Griner: Moscow Zelensky also gave an update on the country's grain export situation. According to him, Ukraine was able to export the same amount of grain from three ports in less than two weeks as it had done by road throughout July. Two more grain-carrying ships left Ukraine's Black Sea ports on Saturday, according to Turkey's defence ministry, increasing the total number of vessels leaving the nation under an UN-brokered pact to 16 so far. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION LIVE HERE: You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Russian soldiers shooting at, or from Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, now Ukraine's 'special targets': Zelensky

Kyiv and Moscow are accusing each other of shelling Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia nuclear complex on Friday. The attack on the power plant has raised an alarm globally as the battle for controlling the plant could trigger catastrophe.

Blame game erupts over Zaporizhzhia nuke plant shelling