<p>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;</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>"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;</p>

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<p>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."</p>

<p>“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;</p>

<h2><strong>Ukraine's military intelligence claims</strong></h2>

<p>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.</p>

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<p>“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.</p>

<p>“The personnel remaining at the station were instructed to blame Ukraine in case of any emergencies," the statement claimed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH | Gravitas: Russia says Ukraine attacked Moscow with 5 drones</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Response from Russia's Rosatom</strong> &nbsp;</h2>

<p>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.</p>

<p>"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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

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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

<p>In light of "provocations" by Ukrainian forces, operations at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant have been suspended, according to a TASS state news agency report. The Moscow-installed governor of the Russia-controlled part of the surrounding region,&nbsp;Yevgeny Balitsky, cited concerns over Ukraine's anticipated counteroffensive to reclaim Russian-held territory, including areas in the Zaporizhzhia region.<br />
<br />
Due to this, Russian authorities have reportedly initiated evacuations. Rafael Grossi, head of the United Nations nuclear power watchdog, on Saturday, expressed concerns about the plant's safety, describing the situation as "potentially dangerous."</p>

<p>"The general situation in the area near the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant is becoming increasingly unpredictable and potentially dangerous," said the IAEA chief, adding that he's concerned.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>"I’m extremely concerned about the very real nuclear safety and security risks facing the plant."&nbsp;</p>

<p>In response to the escalating situation, Russian officials have begun evacuating people from nearby areas. As per Reuters, approximately 3,000 people, including around 1,000 minors, have been evacuated from villages close to the front line.</p>

<p>Balitsky, the Moscow-installed governor, noted a rise in water levels in the nearby Kakhovka Reservoir, which he believes to be a manipulation. He did not provide further details on the matter.</p>

<p>"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," he said as per TASS.</p>

<p>According to an AFP report, Ivan Fedorov, the mayor of Melitopol in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, said that the evacuation directive has resulted in "a mad panic and no less mad queues" at the checkpoint leading to Russian-annexed Crimea.</p>

<p>With buses making frequent trips transporting individuals out fuel stations have reportedly been "drained" of gasoline.</p>

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<p>Expressing concerns on Telegram, Fedorov stated: "The partial evacuation they announced is going too fast, and there is a possibility that they may be preparing for provocations and (for that reason) focusing on civilians."</p>

<p>The Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, which happens to be Europe's largest nuclear energy facility, was seized by Russia during the early stages of its invasion of Ukraine that began in February of last year. Despite all six reactors being in "cold shutdown" and not generating electricity, they still contain nuclear material.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), led by Grossi, has previously issued warnings about the plant's safety following temporary power cuts caused by shelling. In March, the IAEA cautioned that the facility was relying on diesel generators to maintain crucial cooling systems due to damage to power lines.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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In light of "provocations" by Ukrainian forces, operations at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant have been suspended, according to a TASS state news agency report. The Moscow-installed governor of the Russia-controlled part of the surrounding region, Yevgeny Balitsky, cited concerns over Ukraine's anticipated counteroffensive to reclaim Russian-held territory, including areas in the Zaporizhzhia region.

In light of "provocations" by Ukrainian forces, operations at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant have been suspended, according to a TASS state news agency report. The Moscow-installed governor of the Russia-controlled part of the surrounding region, Yevgeny Balitsky, cited concerns over Ukraine's anticipated counteroffensive to reclaim Russian-held territory, including areas in the Zaporizhzhia region. Due to this, Russian authorities have reportedly initiated evacuations. Rafael Grossi, head of the United Nations nuclear power watchdog, on Saturday, expressed concerns about the plant's safety, describing the situation as "potentially dangerous." "The general situation in the area near the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant is becoming increasingly unpredictable and potentially dangerous," said the IAEA chief, adding that he's concerned. Also read | Two-year-old Ukrainian refugee receives 'gift of sound' in United States "I’m extremely concerned about the very real nuclear safety and security risks facing the plant." In response to the escalating situation, Russian officials have begun evacuating people from nearby areas. As per Reuters, approximately 3,000 people, including around 1,000 minors, have been evacuated from villages close to the front line. Balitsky, the Moscow-installed governor, noted a rise in water levels in the nearby Kakhovka Reservoir, which he believes to be a manipulation. He did not provide further details on the matter. "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," he said as per TASS. According to an AFP report, Ivan Fedorov, the mayor of Melitopol in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, said that the evacuation directive has resulted in "a mad panic and no less mad queues" at the checkpoint leading to Russian-annexed Crimea. With buses making frequent trips transporting individuals out fuel stations have reportedly been "drained" of gasoline. Also read | No Russian flags at memorials on WW2 anniversary, rules Berlin court Expressing concerns on Telegram, Fedorov stated: "The partial evacuation they announced is going too fast, and there is a possibility that they may be preparing for provocations and (for that reason) focusing on civilians." The Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, which happens to be Europe's largest nuclear energy facility, was seized by Russia during the early stages of its invasion of Ukraine that began in February of last year. Despite all six reactors being in "cold shutdown" and not generating electricity, they still contain nuclear material. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), led by Grossi, has previously issued warnings about the plant's safety following temporary power cuts caused by shelling. In March, the IAEA cautioned that the facility was relying on diesel generators to maintain crucial cooling systems due to damage to power lines. (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.

Russia suspends operations at Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, evacuates civilians amid threat of 'provocation'

<p>Tensions continue to rise between Ukraine and Russia as Moscow has ordered the evacuation of families with children and the elderly from areas in southern Ukraine that are held by Russia. The evacuation is due to the increase in shelling from the Ukrainian side, which has intensified in recent days.</p>

<p>Yevgeny Balitsky, the Russian-installed head of the Zaporizhzhia region, announced the evacuation on social media. He stated that the decision was made to prioritize the safety of vulnerable groups such as children, parents, elderly people, disabled people, and hospital patients.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Did Ukraine try to assassinate Russian President Putin?</strong></p>

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<p>"There will be a temporary evacuation from 18 places," Balitsky wrote, "including the town of Enerhodar, where the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant is located." The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant is Europe's largest and has been held by Russia since the beginning of the conflict. It is now near the front line, and its proximity to the fighting has caused international concern.</p>

<h2><strong>Major dam damaged in southern Ukraine&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>In addition to the shelling, a Russian official has warned that record-high water levels could overwhelm a major dam in southern Ukraine and damage parts of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station. Renat Karchaa, an adviser to the general director of nuclear energy firm Rosenergoatom, said that if the Nova Kakhovka dam did rupture, the power cable line for the Zaporizhzhia plant's pumping stations would be flooded.&nbsp;This would create functional problems for the operation of the plant and risks for nuclear safety.</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/doomed-to-perish-russias-wagner-announces-withdrawal-from-bakhmut-589161">Also Read |&nbsp;'Doomed to perish': Russia's Wagner announces withdrawal from Bakhmut, cites lack of ammo</a></strong></p>

<p>"Both sides have accused each other of planning to breach the dam using explosives, which would flood much of the area downstream and would likely cause major destruction around Kherson," Karchaa said.<br />
<br />
The situation at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant has been a cause for concern for several months.</p>

<p>In late March, Ukrainian officials had expressed concern that the plant could face a shortage of water to cool its reactors by late summer because Russian forces had let water out of a reservoir that supplied the plant.</p>

<p>Russian troops took over the plant as they invaded parts of Ukraine last year, and it has been at the centre of a nuclear security crisis due to near-constant shelling in its vicinity, which Kyiv and Moscow blame on each other.</p>

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Tensions continue to rise between Ukraine and Russia as Moscow has ordered the evacuation of families with children and the elderly from areas in southern Ukraine that are held by Russia.

Tensions continue to rise between Ukraine and Russia as Moscow has ordered the evacuation of families with children and the elderly from areas in southern Ukraine that are held by Russia. The evacuation is due to the increase in shelling from the Ukrainian side, which has intensified in recent days. Yevgeny Balitsky, the Russian-installed head of the Zaporizhzhia region, announced the evacuation on social media. He stated that the decision was made to prioritize the safety of vulnerable groups such as children, parents, elderly people, disabled people, and hospital patients. Watch: Did Ukraine try to assassinate Russian President Putin? × "There will be a temporary evacuation from 18 places," Balitsky wrote, "including the town of Enerhodar, where the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant is located." The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant is Europe's largest and has been held by Russia since the beginning of the conflict. It is now near the front line, and its proximity to the fighting has caused international concern. Major dam damaged in southern Ukraine In addition to the shelling, a Russian official has warned that record-high water levels could overwhelm a major dam in southern Ukraine and damage parts of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station. Renat Karchaa, an adviser to the general director of nuclear energy firm Rosenergoatom, said that if the Nova Kakhovka dam did rupture, the power cable line for the Zaporizhzhia plant's pumping stations would be flooded. This would create functional problems for the operation of the plant and risks for nuclear safety. Also Read | 'Doomed to perish': Russia's Wagner announces withdrawal from Bakhmut, cites lack of ammo "Both sides have accused each other of planning to breach the dam using explosives, which would flood much of the area downstream and would likely cause major destruction around Kherson," Karchaa said. The situation at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant has been a cause for concern for several months. In late March, Ukrainian officials had expressed concern that the plant could face a shortage of water to cool its reactors by late summer because Russian forces had let water out of a reservoir that supplied the plant. Russian troops took over the plant as they invaded parts of Ukraine last year, and it has been at the centre of a nuclear security crisis due to near-constant shelling in its vicinity, which Kyiv and Moscow blame on each other. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Families evacuated from Russia-held regions in Ukraine amid fears of nuclear disaster at Zaporizhzhia plant

The much awaited inspection of Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant is just hours away. A team of United Nations nuke watch dog is in Kyiv. The IAEA team met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

IAEA team to inspect Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant; Ukraine seeks control over nuke plant

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has described Russian forces’ actions at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant as “nuclear blackmail”. Zelensky also added that Russia hides behind the plant to attack nearby cities.

Zelensky accuses Russia of ‘nuclear blackmail’ after shelling at Zaporizhzhia power plant

The mayor of the city where Zaporizhzhia plant is located has warned that, the risk of disaster at Europe's largest nuclear plant is "increasing every day". This after Ukraine and Russia exchanged blame for fresh shelling around the facility.

Ukraine: Risk of disaster at Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant increasing 'each day'

While the two neighbors are busy trading charges over shelling at Zaporizhzhia nuke plant, the world stands in fear of a possible catastrophe.

Russia-Ukraine crisis: Fresh strikes at Zaporizhzhia nuke plant, UNSC convenes emergency meet