Rafael Grossi, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), on Thursday (June 15) visited the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant in Ukraine. Grossi said it was unrealistic to expect that Moscow and Kyiv would sign a document ensuring the site's safety when fighting raged nearby.

Grossi, chief of the United Nations nuclear watchdog, was on inspection of the site of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant. It is the largest nuclear plant in Europe. Grossi's visit to the nuclear plant has come in the aftermath of the Kakhovka dam breach downstream on the Dnipro River.

The plant has a cooling pond which is used to cool six reactors from potentially disastrous overheating. The Kakhovka reservoir was normally used to refill the pond, but this can't be done now because of its falling water level after the dam breach.

<h2>Situation 'serious'</h2>

Grossi had to pass through a Russian checkpoint to reach the plant. The nuclear plant is located close to the military frontline. Russian news agencies quoted Grossi as saying that the situation at the site was "serious" but there was sufficient cooling water available.

Watch | Allies attempt to aid Ukraine war | Russia-Ukraine War

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Grossi added that IAEA inspectors will remain at the site.&nbsp;

"We have a political agreement which was formulated at the (United Nations) Security Council. Reaching a written agreement would be unrealistic at this stage because, as we know, there are no peace or ceasefire negotiations between the parties," TASS news agency quoted Grossi as saying.

Grossi said that the trip was "extremely difficult" but also "compact" and "important."

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Grossi's visit to Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant had to be delayed by a day because of security reasons. There was heavy fighting between Ukrainian and Russian forces.

Russian forces captured both the nuclear plant and the Kakhovka hydroelectric dam shortly after President Vladimir Putin sent them into Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022.

Grossi has made repeated calls for an end to hostilities and battles in the vicinity of the nuclear plant so that a miscalculation does not lead to any catastrophic accident. The six reactors inside the nuclear plant are in shutdown.

Russia and Ukraine blame each other for shelling the facility which has repeatedly cut power lines. There are diesel generators at the plant, which also have alternative water sources.

Alexei Likhachev, head of Russia's state nuclear energy firm Rosatom, was quoted by RIA news agency as saying that Grossi had observed during his visit the security measures taken at the plant to ensure its safety following the breach of the dam.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Rafael Grossi, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), on Thursday (June 15) visited the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant in Ukraine.

Rafael Grossi, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), on Thursday (June 15) visited the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant in Ukraine. Grossi said it was unrealistic to expect that Moscow and Kyiv would sign a document ensuring the site's safety when fighting raged nearby. Grossi, chief of the United Nations nuclear watchdog, was on inspection of the site of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant. It is the largest nuclear plant in Europe. Grossi's visit to the nuclear plant has come in the aftermath of the Kakhovka dam breach downstream on the Dnipro River. The plant has a cooling pond which is used to cool six reactors from potentially disastrous overheating. The Kakhovka reservoir was normally used to refill the pond, but this can't be done now because of its falling water level after the dam breach. Situation 'serious' Grossi had to pass through a Russian checkpoint to reach the plant. The nuclear plant is located close to the military frontline. Russian news agencies quoted Grossi as saying that the situation at the site was "serious" but there was sufficient cooling water available. Watch | Allies attempt to aid Ukraine war | Russia-Ukraine War × Grossi added that IAEA inspectors will remain at the site. "We have a political agreement which was formulated at the (United Nations) Security Council. Reaching a written agreement would be unrealistic at this stage because, as we know, there are no peace or ceasefire negotiations between the parties," TASS news agency quoted Grossi as saying. Grossi said that the trip was "extremely difficult" but also "compact" and "important." Also Read | Ukrainian forces intercept 1 cruise missile, 20 drones launched by Russia Grossi's visit to Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant had to be delayed by a day because of security reasons. There was heavy fighting between Ukrainian and Russian forces. Russian forces captured both the nuclear plant and the Kakhovka hydroelectric dam shortly after President Vladimir Putin sent them into Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022. Grossi has made repeated calls for an end to hostilities and battles in the vicinity of the nuclear plant so that a miscalculation does not lead to any catastrophic accident. The six reactors inside the nuclear plant are in shutdown. Russia and Ukraine blame each other for shelling the facility which has repeatedly cut power lines. There are diesel generators at the plant, which also have alternative water sources. Alexei Likhachev, head of Russia's state nuclear energy firm Rosatom, was quoted by RIA news agency as saying that Grossi had observed during his visit the security measures taken at the plant to ensure its safety following the breach of the dam. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Situation 'serious' at Russia-occupied nuclear plant In Ukraine: IAEA chief

Deadly Russian missile strike have hit the Southern and Eastern Ukraine, this took place after Kyiv claimed fresh advances in its long-awaited counter-offensive. The UN Nuclear Chief also delayed a trip to the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant.

Russian missile strikes hits Ukraine, says 'all assigned targets hit'

The United Nations nuclear energy chief, on Tuesday (June 13), visited the Ukrainian capital city of Kyiv and met with President Volodymyr Zelensky before going to Ukraine’s Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant days after&nbsp;the massive Kakhovka&nbsp;dam on the Dnipro River was breached.&nbsp;

<h2>‘Very concerned’ about nuclear power plant amid Ukraine’s counteroffensive: Grossi</h2>

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief Rafael Grossi also said that he is “very concerned” that the nuclear plant could be caught in Ukraine’s long-awaited counteroffensive which aims to retake Russian-occupied territory.&nbsp;This comes as Kyiv has recently claimed gains in the early stages of its counteroffensive, earlier on Tuesday.

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The IAEA chief also said there were no signs of Russian troops moving heavy military equipment to the&nbsp;Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP)&nbsp;but can only be confirmed after his visit and said, “There shouldn’t be any military equipment or artillery or amounts of ammunition, an amount that could compromise the security of the plant.”

He added, “We do not have any indication at this point, but it could not be excluded.” Grossi, addressing the press in Kyiv,&nbsp;said he discussed the dangers facing the ZNPP with Zelensky.&nbsp;

Grossi also said that the largest nuclear power plant in Europe is witnessing a “relatively dangerous situation” after the collapse of the Soviet-era Nova Kakhovka dam on the Dnipro River in the Russia-occupied part of southern Ukraine.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-russia-ukraine-war-nova-kakhovka-dam-attack-what-we-know-so-far-601391">Explained | What we know so far about the Nova Kakhovka dam attack in Ukraine</a>

<h2>Why is Grossi in Kyiv, travelling to nuclear power plant?</h2>

The IAEA chief's&nbsp;trip to Ukraine comes after the UN agency, on Sunday, said that it needed to access the site near the plant to check the water levels after the dam’s reservoir which also provided water essential for cooling the six reactors at the ZNPP collapsed.&nbsp;

The nuclear power plant which has repeatedly been caught in the crossfire between Russia and Ukraine once again sparked concerns after the destruction of the Kakhovka dam. Meanwhile, both Kyiv and Moscow have blamed each for attacking the dam which led to dozens of deaths and prompted evacuation&nbsp;of thousands of people in southern Ukraine amid floods.&nbsp;

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The water in the cooling pond is used to keep the ZNPP’s six reactors from potentially disastrous overheating from the reservoir which is now destroyed. However, Ukraine’s nuclear energy company, Energoatom, on Tuesday said that the level of the pond was stable and that the water was enough.&nbsp;

<h2>‘Serious situation’ at ZNPP: IAEA chief</h2>

Speaking to journalists in Kyiv, Grossi said there was no immediate danger but that it was a “serious situation” due to the limited amount of water left. According to the Ukrainian energy company, as of Tuesday morning, the water level was at 16.67 metres which it said is “quite enough to meet the needs of the station”.&nbsp;

Grossi has also called the move a “step in the wrong direction.” He added, “If there was a break in the gates that contain this water or anything like this, you would really lose all your cooling capacity.”&nbsp;

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Similarly, Ukrainian nuclear authorities have also said that the reservoir which was normally used to refill the pond cannot anymore because of its falling water level. However, the pond, which is separated from the reservoir, can be replenished using deep underground wells, the Ukrainian authorities added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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The United Nations nuclear energy chief, on Tuesday (June 13), visited the Ukrainian capital city of Kyiv and met with President Volodymyr Zelensky before going to Ukraine’s Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant days after the massive Kakhovka dam on the Dnipro River was breached.

The United Nations nuclear energy chief, on Tuesday (June 13), visited the Ukrainian capital city of Kyiv and met with President Volodymyr Zelensky before going to Ukraine’s Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant days after the massive Kakhovka dam on the Dnipro River was breached. ‘Very concerned’ about nuclear power plant amid Ukraine’s counteroffensive: Grossi The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief Rafael Grossi also said that he is “very concerned” that the nuclear plant could be caught in Ukraine’s long-awaited counteroffensive which aims to retake Russian-occupied territory. This comes as Kyiv has recently claimed gains in the early stages of its counteroffensive, earlier on Tuesday. ALSO READ | Putin says Ukraine deliberately hit Kakhovka dam with HIMARS rockets The IAEA chief also said there were no signs of Russian troops moving heavy military equipment to the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) but can only be confirmed after his visit and said, “There shouldn’t be any military equipment or artillery or amounts of ammunition, an amount that could compromise the security of the plant.” He added, “We do not have any indication at this point, but it could not be excluded.” Grossi, addressing the press in Kyiv, said he discussed the dangers facing the ZNPP with Zelensky. Grossi also said that the largest nuclear power plant in Europe is witnessing a “relatively dangerous situation” after the collapse of the Soviet-era Nova Kakhovka dam on the Dnipro River in the Russia-occupied part of southern Ukraine. ALSO READ | Explained | What we know so far about the Nova Kakhovka dam attack in Ukraine Why is Grossi in Kyiv, travelling to nuclear power plant? The IAEA chief's trip to Ukraine comes after the UN agency, on Sunday, said that it needed to access the site near the plant to check the water levels after the dam’s reservoir which also provided water essential for cooling the six reactors at the ZNPP collapsed. The nuclear power plant which has repeatedly been caught in the crossfire between Russia and Ukraine once again sparked concerns after the destruction of the Kakhovka dam. Meanwhile, both Kyiv and Moscow have blamed each for attacking the dam which led to dozens of deaths and prompted evacuation of thousands of people in southern Ukraine amid floods. ALSO READ | Ukraine war: France's Macron promises more military aid to Kyiv as counteroffensive begins The water in the cooling pond is used to keep the ZNPP’s six reactors from potentially disastrous overheating from the reservoir which is now destroyed. However, Ukraine’s nuclear energy company, Energoatom, on Tuesday said that the level of the pond was stable and that the water was enough. ‘Serious situation’ at ZNPP: IAEA chief Speaking to journalists in Kyiv, Grossi said there was no immediate danger but that it was a “serious situation” due to the limited amount of water left. According to the Ukrainian energy company, as of Tuesday morning, the water level was at 16.67 metres which it said is “quite enough to meet the needs of the station”. Grossi has also called the move a “step in the wrong direction.” He added, “If there was a break in the gates that contain this water or anything like this, you would really lose all your cooling capacity.” ALSO READ | Russia's FSB arrests former defence industry workers suspected of spying for Ukraine's military intelligence Similarly, Ukrainian nuclear authorities have also said that the reservoir which was normally used to refill the pond cannot anymore because of its falling water level. However, the pond, which is separated from the reservoir, can be replenished using deep underground wells, the Ukrainian authorities added. (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.

‘Very concerned’: UN nuclear chief about Zaporizhzhia plant amid Ukraine’s counteroffensive

Ukraine’s nuclear energy agency has put the last operating reactor at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Station, which is deemed Europe’s largest nuclear power plant, into a "cold shutdown" as a precautionary move after the destruction of the Kakhovka dam, the agency said in a statement on Friday.

As per AP reports, five out of six reactors at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, which is occupied by Russian forces, are already in a cold shutdown state.

The Ukrainian nuclear power agency Energoatom&nbsp;released a statement on Friday saying that there was "no direct threat" to the Zaporizhzhia plant due to the breach of the Kakhovka dam, which has forced mass evacuations due to flooding and has also sharply reduced water levels in a reservoir used to help cool the facility.

Energoatom said that the last reactor was put into cold shutdown on Thursday because of several other&nbsp;factors, including shelling near the site which damaged the overhead lines connecting the plant to Ukraine's energy system.

<h2>Reservoir water still cooling Ukraine nuclear plant</h2>

The UN nuclear agency on Thursday said that Europe's largest atomic power plant is still receiving water from a dam after it was breached in the fighting in Ukraine.

"Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant is continuing to pump cooling water from the Kakhovka reservoir," the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said in a statement.

Earlier, on Thursday, dam operator Ukrhydroenergo's chief said that the "water level at the reservoir had gone below the critical point of 12.7 metres (42 feet)".

"This means it could no longer supply the ponds at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station to cool the plant,"&nbsp;he said on Ukrainian television.

The IAEA said in a statement that its experts were informed that the plant had estimated after a review "that it should be able to pump water from the reservoir also after its level falls below 12.7 metres".

"So far, the results indicate that the pumps can likely still be operated even if the level drops to around 11 metres or possibly lower," the IAEA said.

The agency said the review included interviews with those "who have experience and expertise".&nbsp;

"In these difficult and challenging circumstances, this is providing some more time before possibly switching to alternative water supplies," AFP quoted IAEA head Rafael Grossi as saying.

"Nevertheless, the general nuclear safety and security situation remains very precarious and potentially dangerous," added Grossi, who plans to travel to the plant next week.

He said the extent of the damage remained unknown, and it was also not clear "when and at what level the reservoir will stabilise".

(With inputs from agencies)

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Ukraine’s nuclear energy agency has put the last operating reactor at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Station, which is deemed Europe’s largest nuclear power plant, into a "cold shutdown" as a precautionary move after the destruction of the Kakhovka dam, the agency said in a statement on Friday.

Ukraine’s nuclear energy agency has put the last operating reactor at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Station, which is deemed Europe’s largest nuclear power plant, into a "cold shutdown" as a precautionary move after the destruction of the Kakhovka dam, the agency said in a statement on Friday. As per AP reports, five out of six reactors at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, which is occupied by Russian forces, are already in a cold shutdown state. The Ukrainian nuclear power agency Energoatom released a statement on Friday saying that there was "no direct threat" to the Zaporizhzhia plant due to the breach of the Kakhovka dam, which has forced mass evacuations due to flooding and has also sharply reduced water levels in a reservoir used to help cool the facility. Energoatom said that the last reactor was put into cold shutdown on Thursday because of several other factors, including shelling near the site which damaged the overhead lines connecting the plant to Ukraine's energy system. Reservoir water still cooling Ukraine nuclear plant The UN nuclear agency on Thursday said that Europe's largest atomic power plant is still receiving water from a dam after it was breached in the fighting in Ukraine. "Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant is continuing to pump cooling water from the Kakhovka reservoir," the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said in a statement. Earlier, on Thursday, dam operator Ukrhydroenergo's chief said that the "water level at the reservoir had gone below the critical point of 12.7 metres (42 feet)". "This means it could no longer supply the ponds at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station to cool the plant," he said on Ukrainian television. The IAEA said in a statement that its experts were informed that the plant had estimated after a review "that it should be able to pump water from the reservoir also after its level falls below 12.7 metres". "So far, the results indicate that the pumps can likely still be operated even if the level drops to around 11 metres or possibly lower," the IAEA said. The agency said the review included interviews with those "who have experience and expertise". "In these difficult and challenging circumstances, this is providing some more time before possibly switching to alternative water supplies," AFP quoted IAEA head Rafael Grossi as saying. "Nevertheless, the general nuclear safety and security situation remains very precarious and potentially dangerous," added Grossi, who plans to travel to the plant next week. He said the extent of the damage remained unknown, and it was also not clear "when and at what level the reservoir will stabilise". (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Ukraine's nuclear agency puts last reactor at Zaporizhzhia plant on cold shutdown

Claims and counter claims rage on as Russia and Ukraine continue shelling amid rescue operations in the flood-hit Kherson region. 600 square kilometres of Kherson is under water. Another area of focus here is Zaporizhzhia, the area of the critical nuclear power plant. According to Ukrainian officials, Russian shelling killed one person and injured 18 other people.

Fighting rages in Kherson & Zaporizhzhia, 1 dead & 18 injured in Russian shelling

Here, we bring you the news that is trending across WION's social media platforms - China fighter jets' 'aggressive manoeuvre', UN Nuclear Chief briefs on Zaporizhzhia power plant, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky pulls up Kyiv authorities, North Korea's satellite launch ends in failure.

China fighter jets' 'aggressive manoeuvre' | IAEA Chief briefs on Zaporizhzhia | WION Speed News

The conflict between Russia and Ukraine is still ongoing, and this time Kyiv has made a very serious accusation that, if true, could have catastrophic effects for all of Europe. Kyiv claims that Russia is preparing to stage a major accident at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, but this claim was made by Ukraine's defence ministry on Friday.

Ukraine: Russia will simulate attack on Zaporizhzhia power plant | Russia-Ukraine War

Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia nuclear station, occupied by the Russian forces, was cut off briefly from the main electricity grid on Monday in the wake of the volatile situation arising out of constant bombardment.

Emergency diesel generators were used at the plant in southern Ukraine to ensure that nuclear fuel was kept cool and prevent a potential disaster.

The brief shutdown had cut off electricity to nearly 250,000 homes in the Zaporizhzhia region but that power had been restored to most of them, Ukrainian national grid operator Ukrenergo said

Power was also being restored to consumers in the&nbsp;Dnipropetrovsk&nbsp;region after overnight Russian air strikes, it added.

The nuclear plant, though under Russian occupation, is operated by Ukrainian engineers. According to reports, the generators have enough fuel to keep the critical cooling equipment running for 10 days.

This is the seventh time that Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant lost electricity since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in February 2022.

<h2>Ukraine's possible counteroffensive holds military drills in Zaporizhzhia</h2>

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However, each time, the Ukrainian engineers were able to restore electricity, thanks to the backup diesel generators, averting a possible catastrophe.

The latest blackout at the plant started at around 5:30 am (local time) on Monday, Ukrainian state nuclear energy company Energoatom said.

The facility lost its connection to a high-voltage power line from the nearby town of Dniprovska, the company said.

<h2>Russia, Ukraine trade blame&nbsp;</h2>

Both Russian and Ukraine sides accused each other of causing a potential nuclear disaster.

While a Russia-installed local official said that Ukraine disconnected a power line, Energoatom blamed the Russian shelling for the problem.

"Due to a high-tension line being cut, the plant lost its external electricity supply," the Russian administration wrote on Telegram, adding the causes of the outage were being investigated and that backup diesel generators were keeping it working.

A few hours later, Energoatom said via the Telegram messaging app that it had restored external power and that the system was now running smoothly.

<h2>Potential nuclear disaster averted</h2>

The loss of power again stoked tensions about a potential nuclear disaster at the plant, with the chief of the International Atomic Energy Agency raising alarm over Monday’s incident.

Rafael Mariano Grossi said the outage made the situation at the plant “extremely vulnerable.”

Shelling in Zaporizhzhia has increased over the past few days after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that his troops are preparing for a counteroffensive that could include the southern Ukraine region.

Grossi, who has been trying to win international backing for a demilitarized zone around the plant, said that fighting in the surrounding area&nbsp;increases the risks to the plant.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia nuclear station, occupied by the Russian forces, was cut off briefly from the main electricity grid on Monday in the wake of the volatile situation arising out of constant bombardment.

Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia nuclear station, occupied by the Russian forces, was cut off briefly from the main electricity grid on Monday in the wake of the volatile situation arising out of constant bombardment. Emergency diesel generators were used at the plant in southern Ukraine to ensure that nuclear fuel was kept cool and prevent a potential disaster. The brief shutdown had cut off electricity to nearly 250,000 homes in the Zaporizhzhia region but that power had been restored to most of them, Ukrainian national grid operator Ukrenergo said Power was also being restored to consumers in the Dnipropetrovsk region after overnight Russian air strikes, it added. The nuclear plant, though under Russian occupation, is operated by Ukrainian engineers. According to reports, the generators have enough fuel to keep the critical cooling equipment running for 10 days. This is the seventh time that Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant lost electricity since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in February 2022. Ukraine's possible counteroffensive holds military drills in Zaporizhzhia However, each time, the Ukrainian engineers were able to restore electricity, thanks to the backup diesel generators, averting a possible catastrophe. The latest blackout at the plant started at around 5:30 am (local time) on Monday, Ukrainian state nuclear energy company Energoatom said. The facility lost its connection to a high-voltage power line from the nearby town of Dniprovska, the company said. Russia, Ukraine trade blame Both Russian and Ukraine sides accused each other of causing a potential nuclear disaster. While a Russia-installed local official said that Ukraine disconnected a power line, Energoatom blamed the Russian shelling for the problem. "Due to a high-tension line being cut, the plant lost its external electricity supply," the Russian administration wrote on Telegram, adding the causes of the outage were being investigated and that backup diesel generators were keeping it working. A few hours later, Energoatom said via the Telegram messaging app that it had restored external power and that the system was now running smoothly. Potential nuclear disaster averted The loss of power again stoked tensions about a potential nuclear disaster at the plant, with the chief of the International Atomic Energy Agency raising alarm over Monday’s incident. Rafael Mariano Grossi said the outage made the situation at the plant “extremely vulnerable.” Shelling in Zaporizhzhia has increased over the past few days after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that his troops are preparing for a counteroffensive that could include the southern Ukraine region. Grossi, who has been trying to win international backing for a demilitarized zone around the plant, said that fighting in the surrounding area increases the risks to the plant. (With inputs from agencies)

Shelling briefly knocks out power at Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia nuclear station, disaster averted

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. 
 
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.&nbsp;

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"I’m extremely concerned about the very real nuclear safety and security risks facing the plant."&nbsp;

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.

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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.&nbsp;

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)

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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'

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

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.

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"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.

<h2>Major dam damaged in southern Ukraine&nbsp;</h2>

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.

<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>

"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.

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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 head of the IAEA said that the situation at the Zaporizhzia nuclear power plant is not improving and that it is crucial for everyone to agree that the nuclear power plant should not be attacked.

Rafael Grossi: Situation at Zaporizhzhia power plant is not improving

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief Rafael Grossi departed from Vienna on Sunday (March 26) to visit Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Russian-held Ukrainian territory. The chief&nbsp;of the UN nuclear watchdog is pressing for a security zone around the nuclear plant, Europe's largest. The nuclear plant has come under repeated Russian attacks over the last month.

“On my way to #Zaporizhzhya NNP to assess first-hand the #nuclear safety &amp; security situation at the facility,” Grossi said in a Twitter post on Sunday.

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On my way to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Zaporizhzhya?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Zaporizhzhya</a> NPP to assess first-hand the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/nuclear?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#nuclear</a> safety &amp; security situation at the facility. I will continue my efforts to protect the nuclear plant during the ongoing military conflict, &amp; lead our next regular rotation of <a href="https://twitter.com/iaeaorg?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@iaeaorg</a> experts to &amp; from the site. <a href="https://t.co/nWLJn7SbBQ">pic.twitter.com/nWLJn7SbBQ</a>
— Rafael MarianoGrossi (@rafaelmgrossi) <a href="https://twitter.com/rafaelmgrossi/status/1639997659229437960?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 26, 2023</a></blockquote>
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It will be Grossi's second visit. In September last year, he had visited the power plant and had established a permanent presence of IAEA experts.

Russian troops occupied the facility early in their invasion of Ukraine and it remains near the frontline. Both sides blame each other for the shelling.

Earlier this month, he appealed for the protection zone around the plant to be set up, saying he was "astonished by the complacency" around the issue.

The plant accounted for around 20% of Ukraine's national power generation before the invasion, but has not produced any electricity since September when the last of its six reactors was taken offline.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-says-belarus-will-be-hostage-if-russia-places-tactical-nukes-575875">Ukraine slams Russia's nuke plans, says Belarus taken 'hostage'</a>

Russia attacked Ukraine in February last year. After sustained gains in first few months of the conflict, Russian troops had to retreat in the face of counterattacks by Ukraine. Currently, the city of Bakhmut has become a focal point of the fighting.

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International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief Rafael Grossi departed from Vienna on Sunday (March 26) to visit Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Russian-held Ukrainian territory.

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief Rafael Grossi departed from Vienna on Sunday (March 26) to visit Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Russian-held Ukrainian territory. The chief of the UN nuclear watchdog is pressing for a security zone around the nuclear plant, Europe's largest. The nuclear plant has come under repeated Russian attacks over the last month. “On my way to #Zaporizhzhya NNP to assess first-hand the #nuclear safety & security situation at the facility,” Grossi said in a Twitter post on Sunday. On my way to #Zaporizhzhya NPP to assess first-hand the #nuclear safety & security situation at the facility. I will continue my efforts to protect the nuclear plant during the ongoing military conflict, & lead our next regular rotation of @iaeaorg experts to & from the site. pic.twitter.com/nWLJn7SbBQ — Rafael MarianoGrossi (@rafaelmgrossi) March 26, 2023 × It will be Grossi's second visit. In September last year, he had visited the power plant and had established a permanent presence of IAEA experts. Russian troops occupied the facility early in their invasion of Ukraine and it remains near the frontline. Both sides blame each other for the shelling. Earlier this month, he appealed for the protection zone around the plant to be set up, saying he was "astonished by the complacency" around the issue. The plant accounted for around 20% of Ukraine's national power generation before the invasion, but has not produced any electricity since September when the last of its six reactors was taken offline. Also Read | Ukraine slams Russia's nuke plans, says Belarus taken 'hostage' Russia attacked Ukraine in February last year. After sustained gains in first few months of the conflict, Russian troops had to retreat in the face of counterattacks by Ukraine. Currently, the city of Bakhmut has become a focal point of the fighting. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

IAEA chief heads to Ukraine to visit Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant

Air raid sirens went off across much of Ukraine on Friday as Russian forces struck critical infrastructure in Kharkiv and launched multiple strikes on energy infrastructure in Zaporizhzhia. Several explosions were also heard in Kyiv. Moscow has stepped up attacks in Ukraine’s south and east in the past few days.&nbsp;

Zaporizhzhia City Council Secretary Anatolii Kurtiev said the city had been hit 17 times in one hour, making it the most destructive and intense period of attacks since the invasion started in February last year.

The mayor of Kharkiv&nbsp;confirmed that an infrastructure facility in the area had been hit and warned of possible power outages as a result.

Ukraine had&nbsp;been anticipating a fresh offensive by Russia as the war approaches its one-year mark and now&nbsp;believes it has already begun. The eastern region of the country is witnessing fierce fighting and officials in the&nbsp;Donetsk and Luhansk regions say that escalation by Russian troops in their&nbsp;areas has already started.

Kyiv has been saying that Russia plans to strike heavily so that it can tout some achievements on the one-year anniversary of the war on February 24.

Asked on Ukrainian television if he agreed that the Russian offensive escalation had already begun, Pavlo Krylenko, governor of the eastern Donetsk region, said on Thursday: "Yes, definitely."

"Around eastern towns like Bakhmut, Avdiivka and Vuhledar, the enemy's forces and means are escalating there with daily intensity. They are trying to...seize these areas and key cities...to score new successes," he added.

Leader of the Luhansk region also said that the offensive has started, although without "much success".

“We can conclude that a certain escalation has already begun. And we can say de facto that this is part of the full-scale offensive that Russia has been planning,” Serhiy Hayday, head of Luhansk region military administration, said in a television interview posted on his Telegram channel.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-free-europe-without-free-ukraine-says-zelensky-at-eu-summit-560409">There's no free Europe without free Ukraine, says Zelensky at EU summit</a>

"Over the past week to 10 days, the frequency of shelling has increased. The daily number of attacks has increased," he said.

He added that there was a major new Russian assault around Russian-occupied city of Kreminna in northeast Ukraine.&nbsp;However, Hayday said that Moscow has had little success.

“There our soldiers constantly repulsed a large number of attacks by the occupation troops,” Hayday said. “They have not had much success. There is no breakthrough. The situation is difficult, but is still controlled by our defense forces.”

Meanwhile, President Volodymyr Zelensky, who was in Brussels on Thursday, said that several European leaders were ready to supply the country with military aircraft. He had attended an EU summit there and said that several European Union leaders told him at that they were ready to equip Ukraine with fighter jets.&nbsp;He is due to return to Kyiv on Friday.&nbsp;

Zelensky's surprise European tour began on Wednesday with a meeting with Britain Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in London and dinner in Paris with France's Emmanuel Macron and Germany's Olaf Scholz.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Air raid sirens went off across much of Ukraine on Friday as Russian forces struck critical infrastructure in Kharkiv and launched multiple strikes on energy infrastructure in Zaporizhzhia.

Air raid sirens went off across much of Ukraine on Friday as Russian forces struck critical infrastructure in Kharkiv and launched multiple strikes on energy infrastructure in Zaporizhzhia. Several explosions were also heard in Kyiv. Moscow has stepped up attacks in Ukraine’s south and east in the past few days. Zaporizhzhia City Council Secretary Anatolii Kurtiev said the city had been hit 17 times in one hour, making it the most destructive and intense period of attacks since the invasion started in February last year. The mayor of Kharkiv confirmed that an infrastructure facility in the area had been hit and warned of possible power outages as a result. Ukraine had been anticipating a fresh offensive by Russia as the war approaches its one-year mark and now believes it has already begun. The eastern region of the country is witnessing fierce fighting and officials in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions say that escalation by Russian troops in their areas has already started. Kyiv has been saying that Russia plans to strike heavily so that it can tout some achievements on the one-year anniversary of the war on February 24. Asked on Ukrainian television if he agreed that the Russian offensive escalation had already begun, Pavlo Krylenko, governor of the eastern Donetsk region, said on Thursday: "Yes, definitely." "Around eastern towns like Bakhmut, Avdiivka and Vuhledar, the enemy's forces and means are escalating there with daily intensity. They are trying to...seize these areas and key cities...to score new successes," he added. Leader of the Luhansk region also said that the offensive has started, although without "much success". “We can conclude that a certain escalation has already begun. And we can say de facto that this is part of the full-scale offensive that Russia has been planning,” Serhiy Hayday, head of Luhansk region military administration, said in a television interview posted on his Telegram channel. Also Read | There's no free Europe without free Ukraine, says Zelensky at EU summit "Over the past week to 10 days, the frequency of shelling has increased. The daily number of attacks has increased," he said. He added that there was a major new Russian assault around Russian-occupied city of Kreminna in northeast Ukraine. However, Hayday said that Moscow has had little success. “There our soldiers constantly repulsed a large number of attacks by the occupation troops,” Hayday said. “They have not had much success. There is no breakthrough. The situation is difficult, but is still controlled by our defense forces.” Meanwhile, President Volodymyr Zelensky, who was in Brussels on Thursday, said that several European leaders were ready to supply the country with military aircraft. He had attended an EU summit there and said that several European Union leaders told him at that they were ready to equip Ukraine with fighter jets. He is due to return to Kyiv on Friday. Zelensky's surprise European tour began on Wednesday with a meeting with Britain Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in London and dinner in Paris with France's Emmanuel Macron and Germany's Olaf Scholz. (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 hits critical infrastructure in Kharkiv and Zaporizhzhia; explosions heard in Kyiv

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. The Russian army on Saturday (January 21) said that its troops launched an offensive in Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia region. Earlier in the conflict, Russia had captured the nuclear power plant in the region, where fighting was stalled for weeks, but it reportedly intensified recently. The Russian forces in its daily report said that they led "offensive operations" in the region and claimed to have "taken more advantageous lines and positions". As reported by British news websites, the United Kingdom defence chiefs have said that Russian and Ukrainian forces are massing in the Zaporizhzhia Oblast. When Russia captured the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, concerns were raised over a potential nuclear disaster because shelling and artillery fire took place nearby. UK's Ministry of Defence in its latest update noted that both sides have massed "significant forces" in Zaporizhzhia Oblast. It added that the forces have conducted artillery exchanges and skirmishes, but have avoided any large-scale offensive effort. "Overall, the conflict is in a state of deadlock. However, there is a realistic possibility of local Russian advances around Bakhmut," the defence update added. Latest Defence Intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine - 21 January 2023 Find out more about the UK government's response: https://t.co/4UqLNksneU 🇺🇦 #StandWithUkraine 🇺🇦 pic.twitter.com/fUXFhi6VBW — Ministry of Defence 🇬🇧 (@DefenceHQ) January 21, 2023 × Meanwhile, the Russian defence ministry said on Saturday that it held a training exercise on repelling air attacks in the Moscow region. As quoted by the news agency AFP, the ministry said in a statement, "In the Moscow region, a training session was held with the personnel of the anti-aircraft missile brigade of the Western Military District on repelling air attacks on important military-industrial and administrative facilities." WATCH | Vladimir Putin calls Pakistan 'a key partner' after latter decides to buy oil, gas from Moscow × Russia also said that an S-300 anti-aircraft missile system was involved in the training as combat was simulated. The statement said: "As they marched, soldiers repelled an attack by a mock enemy sabotage group on a military convoy. Under the cover of a smoke screen, the air defence convoy was able to get out of the attack and continue fulfilling its tasks." (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.

Ukraine war: Russian army launches ‘offensive operations’ in Zaporizhzhia, claims ‘advances’

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Russia has installed several rocket launchers at Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, according to Ukrainian officials. Ukrainian nuclear company Energoatom said in an official statement that the Russian military,&nbsp;currently stationed inside the atomic power plant, has installed six Grad rocket launchers near the six reactors which are currently not functional. The statement strongly criticised the action and said that it is "violating conditions for nuclear and radiation safety.”

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-lawmakers-hail-bout-griner-prisoner-swap-as-putins-win-state-media-541528">Russian lawmakers hail Bout-Griner swap as Putin’s ‘win’, capitulation by US</a>

While the claim was backed by several Ukrainian ministers, no independent verification was conducted. According to official data, the Grad rocket launchers are capable of firing rockets within a range of 40 kilometres. As a result, one rocket from the power plant will be able to hit targets on the other side of the Dnieper river along with the cities of Nikopol and Marhanets in the region.

Earlier, the United Nations nuclear watchdog decided to assign inspectors to the plant who were tasked with monitoring the damage inflected by the ongoing conflict. Since the deployment of the agents, Ukraine has raised multiple accusations against Russia when it comes to storing weapons.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has insisted that the conflict in Ukraine can be “a long process” and Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Ukraine needs to agree to Russia’s demands.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/massive-fire-reported-in-a-suburban-shopping-centre-in-moscow-541468">One dead in massive shopping centre fire in Moscow, arson suspected</a>

"(Volodymyr) Zelensky&nbsp;knows when it may end. It may end tomorrow if he wishes so.”

Earlier, Russia did not rule out the use of nuclear weapons in the conflict but also made it clear that they will be used only as a “defensive option”.

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Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. Russia has installed several rocket launchers at Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, according to Ukrainian officials. Ukrainian nuclear company Energoatom said in an official statement that the Russian military, currently stationed inside the atomic power plant, has installed six Grad rocket launchers near the six reactors which are currently not functional. The statement strongly criticised the action and said that it is "violating conditions for nuclear and radiation safety.” Also read | Russian lawmakers hail Bout-Griner swap as Putin’s ‘win’, capitulation by US While the claim was backed by several Ukrainian ministers, no independent verification was conducted. According to official data, the Grad rocket launchers are capable of firing rockets within a range of 40 kilometres. As a result, one rocket from the power plant will be able to hit targets on the other side of the Dnieper river along with the cities of Nikopol and Marhanets in the region. Earlier, the United Nations nuclear watchdog decided to assign inspectors to the plant who were tasked with monitoring the damage inflected by the ongoing conflict. Since the deployment of the agents, Ukraine has raised multiple accusations against Russia when it comes to storing weapons. Russian President Vladimir Putin has insisted that the conflict in Ukraine can be “a long process” and Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Ukraine needs to agree to Russia’s demands. Also read | One dead in massive shopping centre fire in Moscow, arson suspected "(Volodymyr) Zelensky knows when it may end. It may end tomorrow if he wishes so.” Earlier, Russia did not rule out the use of nuclear weapons in the conflict but also made it clear that they will be used only as a “defensive option”.

Ukraine accuses Russia of storing rocket launchers at Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant

Ukraine's State Nuclear Company has said that Russia was behind the explosions. It has further blamed Russia for once again putting the whole world at risk.

Ukraine-Russia War: Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant under Russia's control since invasion

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. 
 
Powerful explosions took place at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant on Sunday (November 20). Both Russia and Ukraine have traded blame saying the other side shelled the power plant.&nbsp;The Ukrainian nuclear plant is currently under Russian control.

Kyiv "does not stop its provocations aiming at creating the threat of a man-made catastrophe at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant", said Russian army in a statement, as per AFP.&nbsp;

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed that there were powerful explosions at the nuclear power plant and has warned all parties to stop "playing with fire."

"Explosions occurred at the site of this major nuclear power plant, which is completely unacceptable. Whoever is behind this, it must stop immediately. As I have said many times before, you're playing with fire!" IAEA chief&nbsp;Rafael Grossi said in a statement.

Russian news agency TASS said that 15 shells were fired at the plant's facilities, said the report citing a Russian official.

"They shelled not only yesterday, but also today, they are shelling right now," said the official, adding that any artillery attack at the site posed a threat to nuclear safety.

Meanwhile, Ukraine's nuclear power agency&nbsp;has accused Russia of shelling the nuclear power plant.

The Zaporizhzhia plant, which Russia occupied shortly after its invasion of Ukraine, has since come under repeated shelling, with both Kyiv and Moscow accusing each other of attacks and risking a nuclear accident.

The facility, the largest nuclear power plant in Europe, provided about a fifth of Ukraine's electricity before Russia's Feb. 24 invasion, and has been forced to operate on back-up generators a number of times.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. Powerful explosions took place at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant on Sunday (November 20). Both Russia and Ukraine have traded blame saying the other side shelled the power plant. The Ukrainian nuclear plant is currently under Russian control. Kyiv "does not stop its provocations aiming at creating the threat of a man-made catastrophe at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant", said Russian army in a statement, as per AFP. International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed that there were powerful explosions at the nuclear power plant and has warned all parties to stop "playing with fire." "Explosions occurred at the site of this major nuclear power plant, which is completely unacceptable. Whoever is behind this, it must stop immediately. As I have said many times before, you're playing with fire!" IAEA chief Rafael Grossi said in a statement. Russian news agency TASS said that 15 shells were fired at the plant's facilities, said the report citing a Russian official. "They shelled not only yesterday, but also today, they are shelling right now," said the official, adding that any artillery attack at the site posed a threat to nuclear safety. Meanwhile, Ukraine's nuclear power agency has accused Russia of shelling the nuclear power plant. The Zaporizhzhia plant, which Russia occupied shortly after its invasion of Ukraine, has since come under repeated shelling, with both Kyiv and Moscow accusing each other of attacks and risking a nuclear accident. The facility, the largest nuclear power plant in Europe, provided about a fifth of Ukraine's electricity before Russia's Feb. 24 invasion, and has been forced to operate on back-up generators a number of times. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Explosions at Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, Russia and Ukraine trade blame; IAEA condemns shelling

According to officials, Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant has been disconnected from the country’s grid after Russian shelling destroyed its last remaining high-voltage power lines.

Ukraine: Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant cut off from power grid by Russian shelling

Russian missiles continue to pound Ukraine. At least 12 missiles were dropped on Zaporizhzhia, destroying a critical energy facility. Meanwhile, Ukraine has reclaimed 29 towns & captured over 1,000 Russian weapons.

Gravitas: Russian Missiles pound Ukraine for 2nd Day

In the war-torn country of Ukraine, Russia's missile attack on Zaporizhzhia, killed at least 17 people while 49 others were injured, the injured victims included six children. The Ukrainian authorities claimed that the Russian missiles struck an apartment building.

Russian rockets hit residential building, kills at least 17 | Latest International News | WION

Ukraine's state nuclear company and UN atomic watchdog said on Saturday (October 8) that overnight shelling has cut power supply of Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant and that the plant was on emergency diesel generators. Zaporizhzhia,&nbsp;the biggest nuclear plant in Europe, is currently occupied by Russian forces.

Buildings in the nuclear plant have suffered damage and the situation threatens of a catastrophic nuclear accident.&nbsp;Russia and Ukraine have blamed each other for the shelling.

The International Atomic Energy Energy (IAEA) is pushing for &nbsp;a protection zone to be set up to prevent further shelling.

Watch | Putin orders seizure of Sakhalin-1 project

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Constant electricity supply is critical for the nuclear plant as the nuclear fuel needs cooling to prevent a nuclear meltdown.

"The resumption of shelling, hitting the plant's sole source of external power, is tremendously irresponsible. The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant must be protected," the IAEA quoted its chief Rafael Grossi as saying in a statement.

The IAEA confirmed an earlier statement by Ukrainian nuclear regulator Energoatom that said the plant had switched to its diesel generators after shelling at around 1 a.m. cut the main 750 kilovolt line supplying external power to the plant.

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"All the plant's safety systems continue to receive power and are operating normally, the IAEA experts (stationed at Zaporizhzhia) were informed by senior Ukrainian operating staff," the IAEA said.

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Ukraine's state nuclear company and UN atomic watchdog said on Saturday (October 8) that overnight shelling has cut power supply of Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant and that the plant was on emergency diesel generators.

Ukraine's state nuclear company and UN atomic watchdog said on Saturday (October 8) that overnight shelling has cut power supply of Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant and that the plant was on emergency diesel generators. Zaporizhzhia, the biggest nuclear plant in Europe, is currently occupied by Russian forces. Buildings in the nuclear plant have suffered damage and the situation threatens of a catastrophic nuclear accident. Russia and Ukraine have blamed each other for the shelling. The International Atomic Energy Energy (IAEA) is pushing for a protection zone to be set up to prevent further shelling. Watch | Putin orders seizure of Sakhalin-1 project × Constant electricity supply is critical for the nuclear plant as the nuclear fuel needs cooling to prevent a nuclear meltdown. "The resumption of shelling, hitting the plant's sole source of external power, is tremendously irresponsible. The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant must be protected," the IAEA quoted its chief Rafael Grossi as saying in a statement. The IAEA confirmed an earlier statement by Ukrainian nuclear regulator Energoatom that said the plant had switched to its diesel generators after shelling at around 1 a.m. cut the main 750 kilovolt line supplying external power to the plant. Also Read | Part of Kerch bridge linking Crimea to Russia collapses after 'truck explosion', Putin orders probe "All the plant's safety systems continue to receive power and are operating normally, the IAEA experts (stationed at Zaporizhzhia) were informed by senior Ukrainian operating staff," the IAEA said. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Overnight shelling snaps electricity supply of Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant

The International Atomic Energy Agency recognises the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power as a strictly Ukrainian facility, head of the United Nations nuclear watchdog&nbsp;International Atomic Energy Agency, Rafael Grossi, said on Thursday.

The nuclear facility, situated in southern Ukraine, is one of the biggest atomic power stations in the world and is currently under Russian control since its forces captured it in March. However, it is still being controlled by the Ukrainian staff who were stuck inside the facility.

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"This is a matter that has to do with international law...we want the war to stop immediately, and of course the position of the IAEA is that this facility is a Ukrainian facility," Grossi told reporters.

The IAEA has expressed its concern&nbsp;regarding the structural integrity of the plant as both Russian and Ukrainian forces continue to fight in the nearby areas. Grossi, along with a delegation from the organisation, will soon be travelling to Moscow to discuss the situation with Russian authorities.

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Meanwhile, the Ukrainian army said that they have recaptured a vast amount of territory in Kherson, one of the regions where referendums were held in favour of joining Russia but the recent gains by the Ukraine forces have once again proved their uncertain position in the country.

"The Armed Forces of Ukraine have liberated more than 400 square kilometres of the Kherson region since the beginning of October," Ukrainian southern army command spokeswoman Natalia Gumeniuk told reports in the official briefing, according to a report by Reuters.

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The International Atomic Energy Agency recognises the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power as a strictly Ukrainian facility, head of the United Nations nuclear watchdog International Atomic Energy Agency, Rafael Grossi, said on Thursday.

The International Atomic Energy Agency recognises the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power as a strictly Ukrainian facility, head of the United Nations nuclear watchdog International Atomic Energy Agency, Rafael Grossi, said on Thursday. The nuclear facility, situated in southern Ukraine, is one of the biggest atomic power stations in the world and is currently under Russian control since its forces captured it in March. However, it is still being controlled by the Ukrainian staff who were stuck inside the facility. Also read | North Korean warplanes stage bombing drill, Seoul scrambles its fighter jets "This is a matter that has to do with international law...we want the war to stop immediately, and of course the position of the IAEA is that this facility is a Ukrainian facility," Grossi told reporters. The IAEA has expressed its concern regarding the structural integrity of the plant as both Russian and Ukrainian forces continue to fight in the nearby areas. Grossi, along with a delegation from the organisation, will soon be travelling to Moscow to discuss the situation with Russian authorities. Also read | Thailand: Nursery shooting death toll rises to 37, PM orders 'urgent' probe Meanwhile, the Ukrainian army said that they have recaptured a vast amount of territory in Kherson, one of the regions where referendums were held in favour of joining Russia but the recent gains by the Ukraine forces have once again proved their uncertain position in the country. "The Armed Forces of Ukraine have liberated more than 400 square kilometres of the Kherson region since the beginning of October," Ukrainian southern army command spokeswoman Natalia Gumeniuk told reports in the official briefing, according to a report by Reuters.

Zaporizhzhia power plant is a Ukrainian facility, says head of UN nuclear watchdog

Russian President Vladimir Putin asked the government to take over the operations at the Zaporizhzhia power plant in southern Ukraine. The largest nuclear power plant in Europe has become a major point of focus for both parties in the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine.

“The government will ensure that the nuclear facilities at the plant... are integrated as federal property,” the executive order signed by Putin said according to AFP.

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The power plant has been in the middle of a power struggle as the Russian military occupied the facility at the start of the invasion. In the next few months, Ukraine has regained a lot of areas around the nuclear plant, but it is still being operated by Russian forces.

The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Rafael Grossi said on Wednesday that he will be travelling to the Zaporizhzhia plant in the near future along with a delegation.

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The IAEA also said that Grossi will be assisting with the formation of the “protection zone around the power station”. While the nuclear power plant has shut down most of its operations in the past few months, Ukrainian state nuclear agency Energoatom said that Russia was “creating pseudo-enterprises with the names of Ukrainian companies” to grab complete control of the plant.

“It’s just a pity that they are trying to involve Ukrainian nuclear professionals, who have been heroically working under... occupation for more than seven months” at the Zaporizhzhia plant, Energoatom said on social media.

The IAEA was extremely concerned with the shelling taking place near the facility but with the reactors shutting down, the fear of nuclear disaster has gone down significantly.

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Russian President Vladimir Putin asked the government to take over the operations at the Zaporizhzhia power plant in southern Ukraine. The largest nuclear power plant in Europe has become a major point of focus for both parties in the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Russian President Vladimir Putin asked the government to take over the operations at the Zaporizhzhia power plant in southern Ukraine. The largest nuclear power plant in Europe has become a major point of focus for both parties in the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine. “The government will ensure that the nuclear facilities at the plant... are integrated as federal property,” the executive order signed by Putin said according to AFP. Also read | OPEC+ 'aligning with Russia' by slashing oil production heavily: White House The power plant has been in the middle of a power struggle as the Russian military occupied the facility at the start of the invasion. In the next few months, Ukraine has regained a lot of areas around the nuclear plant, but it is still being operated by Russian forces. The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Rafael Grossi said on Wednesday that he will be travelling to the Zaporizhzhia plant in the near future along with a delegation. Also read | Poland approached US with offer to host its nuclear weapons: Reports The IAEA also said that Grossi will be assisting with the formation of the “protection zone around the power station”. While the nuclear power plant has shut down most of its operations in the past few months, Ukrainian state nuclear agency Energoatom said that Russia was “creating pseudo-enterprises with the names of Ukrainian companies” to grab complete control of the plant. “It’s just a pity that they are trying to involve Ukrainian nuclear professionals, who have been heroically working under... occupation for more than seven months” at the Zaporizhzhia plant, Energoatom said on social media. The IAEA was extremely concerned with the shelling taking place near the facility but with the reactors shutting down, the fear of nuclear disaster has gone down significantly.

Vladimir Putin decrees Russian takeover of Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant

According to the regional governor, a Russian rocket attack on a five-story apartment building in the southern Ukrainian city of Zaporizhzhia resulted in at least one woman's death and trapped occupants.&nbsp;

After the nighttime attack, firefighters raced through the streets to put out the fires, and further explosions were heard on Thursday morning in what local officials claimed was a fresh Russian attack.&nbsp;

"Another enemy missile attack. Stay in shelters!" The Zaporizhzhia region's governor, Oleksandr Starukh, informed locals via the Telegram messaging service.&nbsp;

After the nighttime bombardment, he informed Ukrainian television that one lady had died, but that a second woman who had also been reported dead had lived.

Twelve individuals, including a three-year-old toddler, were hurt. He said, "Five were still under the rubble."&nbsp;

Images from the Ukrainian emergency services revealed enormous mounds of debris where residential structures had been struck.&nbsp;

The missile attacks demonstrated Moscow's capacity to attack Ukrainian cities in spite of recent Russian military failures.&nbsp;

Regarding the developments in Zaporizhzhia, which is under Ukrainian authority, Russia made no quick comments. Moscow has denied that its "special military operation" in Ukraine intentionally targeted civilians.

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One of the four areas of Ukraine that Russia has annexed is Zaporizhzhia. According to Ukraine, a forcible unlawful seizure of its land will never be tolerated. The referendums, according to Kyiv and the West, were rigged elections staged under duress.&nbsp;

The largest nuclear power plant in Europe, Zaporizhzhia, which was taken by Russian forces early in the conflict but is currently controlled by Ukrainian engineers, has been ordered by President Vladimir Putin for the Russian state to take over.&nbsp;

The power plant is located on a reservoir bank under Russian control with Ukrainian forces on the other side, not far from the battle lines. The risk of a catastrophic nuclear catastrophe has been raised by both parties in the event that the facility is struck.

(with inputs from agencies) 
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According to the regional governor, a Russian rocket attack on a five-story apartment building in the southern Ukrainian city of Zaporizhzhia resulted in at least one woman's death and trapped occupants.

According to the regional governor, a Russian rocket attack on a five-story apartment building in the southern Ukrainian city of Zaporizhzhia resulted in at least one woman's death and trapped occupants. After the nighttime attack, firefighters raced through the streets to put out the fires, and further explosions were heard on Thursday morning in what local officials claimed was a fresh Russian attack. "Another enemy missile attack. Stay in shelters!" The Zaporizhzhia region's governor, Oleksandr Starukh, informed locals via the Telegram messaging service. After the nighttime bombardment, he informed Ukrainian television that one lady had died, but that a second woman who had also been reported dead had lived. Twelve individuals, including a three-year-old toddler, were hurt. He said, "Five were still under the rubble." Images from the Ukrainian emergency services revealed enormous mounds of debris where residential structures had been struck. The missile attacks demonstrated Moscow's capacity to attack Ukrainian cities in spite of recent Russian military failures. Regarding the developments in Zaporizhzhia, which is under Ukrainian authority, Russia made no quick comments. Moscow has denied that its "special military operation" in Ukraine intentionally targeted civilians. Also Read: Data Lab | India’s Supreme Court gives nod to abortion, regardless of marital status One of the four areas of Ukraine that Russia has annexed is Zaporizhzhia. According to Ukraine, a forcible unlawful seizure of its land will never be tolerated. The referendums, according to Kyiv and the West, were rigged elections staged under duress. The largest nuclear power plant in Europe, Zaporizhzhia, which was taken by Russian forces early in the conflict but is currently controlled by Ukrainian engineers, has been ordered by President Vladimir Putin for the Russian state to take over. The power plant is located on a reservoir bank under Russian control with Ukrainian forces on the other side, not far from the battle lines. The risk of a catastrophic nuclear catastrophe has been raised by both parties in the event that the facility is struck. (with inputs from agencies)

Ukraine: Russian missile destroys apartment block in Zaporizhzhia, kills woman

More than half a century after gangrene claimed his legs up to his hips and all of his fingers, Hryhoriy Yanchenko joined the Ukrainian resistance to Russia's invasion.

More than half a century after gangrene claimed his legs up to his hips and all of his fingers, Hryhoriy Yanchenko joined the Ukrainian resistance to Russia's invasion. Now 75, he put on the blue-striped jersey and sky-blue beret of the Soviet paratroop unit in which he served and drove his electric mobility cart through the occupied southern city of Kherson collecting donations. He said that, with a speaker at his side playing Ukraine's national anthem, he collected more than $16,400 over six months before fleeing in September to the Ukrainian-controlled city of Zaporizhzhia. The cash, including some inadvertently donated by Russian soldiers, has been used by a Ukrainian group to buy sniper scopes, rifle accessories, clothing and vehicles to ferry Ukrainian troops to frontlines, he said. "Sometimes I would meet orcs (Russians) who would actually put money in my pail," he said, a smirk deepening the wrinkles around his eyes. "Maybe it was because I am handicapped." "I would start (each morning) on my street," Yanchenko told Reuters at the office of the Zaporizhzhia aid group that has cared for him since he fled Kherson. "You go out, but you don't know if you are returning home." Yanchenko, who served in the Soviet airborne forces from 1966-1969, has been trying to support Ukrainian soldiers since Russia-backed separatists seized parts of eastern Ukraine in 2014. First, he and his friends organised a benefit concert. Then they began collecting food, clothing and other supplies. Galena Goncharenko, a founder of the Soldiers Shelter aid group in Zaporizhzhia who has cooperated with Yanchenko since 2015, said he had called her in March to ask if he could send her the donations from Kherson. Despite the risks, Yanchenko also joined street protests against the Russian occupation, some of which were dispersed with warning shots. On Ukraine's Independence Day on August 24, he went out with a Ukrainian flag in his cart's basket and wearing a black vyshyvanka, an embroidered Ukrainian shirt worn as a talisman against evil. Flight To Safety When Yanchenko went home, neighbours told him he was being tailed, and he decided it was time to flee Kherson, his home for 57 years when an officer of Russia's FSB internal security service confronted him and a friend on the street. "He said, 'Grandpa, you're rolling for your last days'," Yanchenko recalled. His friend hid him for three days before driving him and his wheelchair to Kherson's docks for a pre-dawn crossing of the Dnieper River. "He put me on a boat," Yanchenko said. "On the other side...they quickly put me in the minivan." Children also evacuated from Kherson clustered around him in the back until the van reached the last Russian checkpoint before Ukrainian-controlled territory. A Russian soldier found a problem with the driver's documents and with a red marker wrote "Back home" on the windscreen. "This is where I felt everything collapse because if I went home, that's it. I was gone. They were going to arrest me," Yanchenko said. But the driver persuaded another Russian soldier to let the vehicle through, and Yanchenko, whose wife of 51 years died in 2020, now sits in his wheelchair outside a Zaporizhzhia mall, a portable speaker playing patriotic songs as he collects more donations. Still dressed in a Soviet paratrooper jersey, he has no plans to hang up his money pail. "I cannot punish them myself. I don't have that possibility. But I want to do something," he said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

A 75-year-old handicapped ex-soldier and his fight against the Russians

The head of the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine has been released, UN nuclear watchdog chief Rafael Grossi said on Monday after detention that Ukraine blamed on Russia and called an act of terror.&nbsp;

Ukraine said a Russian patrol detained Ihor Murashov on Friday as he travelled from Europe's largest nuclear power plant to the town of Enerhodar, where many of the plant's staff live.&nbsp;

Ukrainian staff continue to operate the plant in conditions the International Atomic Energy Agency says put safety at risk. The IAEA said on Saturday it had been in contact with "the relevant authorities" without mentioning Russia by name and said it had been informed that Murashov was in "temporary detention".

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"I welcome the release of Ihor Murashov, Director General of #Ukraine's #Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant; I have received confirmation that Mr Murashov has returned to his family safely," Grossi said on Twitter on Monday.

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I welcome the release of Ihor Murashov, Director General of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ukraine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ukraine</a>’s <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Zaporizhzhya?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Zaporizhzhya</a> Nuclear Power Plant; I have received confirmation that Mr Murashov has returned to his family safely.
— Rafael MarianoGrossi (@rafaelmgrossi) <a href="https://twitter.com/rafaelmgrossi/status/1576940492713263109?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 3, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Russia and Ukraine have blamed each other for shelling that has damaged buildings on the plant's grounds and the IAEA has called for the establishment of a protection zone around the site to reduce the risk of a potentially catastrophic accident. Grossi is due to hold talks in Moscow and Kyiv this week.&nbsp;

The IAEA said on Saturday that Murashov's detention "has an immediate and serious impact on decision-making in ensuring the safety and security of the plant", adding to the existing security concerns at the facility. 
 
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The head of the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine has been released, UN nuclear watchdog chief Rafael Grossi said on Monday after detention that Ukraine blamed on Russia and called an act of terror.

The head of the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine has been released, UN nuclear watchdog chief Rafael Grossi said on Monday after detention that Ukraine blamed on Russia and called an act of terror. Ukraine said a Russian patrol detained Ihor Murashov on Friday as he travelled from Europe's largest nuclear power plant to the town of Enerhodar, where many of the plant's staff live. Ukrainian staff continue to operate the plant in conditions the International Atomic Energy Agency says put safety at risk. The IAEA said on Saturday it had been in contact with "the relevant authorities" without mentioning Russia by name and said it had been informed that Murashov was in "temporary detention". Read more: Chief of Ukraine's Moscow-held nuclear power plant detained by Russia: Report "I welcome the release of Ihor Murashov, Director General of #Ukraine's #Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant; I have received confirmation that Mr Murashov has returned to his family safely," Grossi said on Twitter on Monday. I welcome the release of Ihor Murashov, Director General of #Ukraine’s #Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant; I have received confirmation that Mr Murashov has returned to his family safely. — Rafael MarianoGrossi (@rafaelmgrossi) October 3, 2022 × Russia and Ukraine have blamed each other for shelling that has damaged buildings on the plant's grounds and the IAEA has called for the establishment of a protection zone around the site to reduce the risk of a potentially catastrophic accident. Grossi is due to hold talks in Moscow and Kyiv this week. The IAEA said on Saturday that Murashov's detention "has an immediate and serious impact on decision-making in ensuring the safety and security of the plant", adding to the existing security concerns at the facility. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Chief of Ukraine's Moscow-held nuclear power plant released, says IAEA chief

While, Vladimir Putin has announced annexation of four regions of Ukraine, the Russian army is showing no signs of slowing down, the latest attack comes in the form of missile attack in Zaporizhzhia.

Russian missile strikes in south Ukraine; at least 25 people killed in Zaporizhzhia | WION

Twenty five people were killed, and 28 others were injured after a Russian missile strike on the outskirts of the Ukrainian city of Zaporizhzhia, the regional governor said on Friday. According to local officials, the missile hit a convoy of civilian vehicles resulting in the death of a number of local inhabitants.&nbsp;

"Twenty-five killed and about 50 wounded in an attack by the Russian military on a humanitarian convoy in Zaporizhzhia. Investigation launched," said the prosecutor general's office on Telegram.

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The police and emergency workers reached the scene shortly after the missile strike and even the local people helped in getting the people out of the cars. According to Ukraine Times, the cars were sprayed with shrapnel and several of them were badly damaged due to the impact.&nbsp;

A witness in Zaporizhzhia told Reuters that the incident took place near the Orekhovo car market and the convoy comprised of three cars and three vans. The missile landed in the middle of the convoy – where it left a huge crater. The bodies were draped up quickly in plastic sheets.&nbsp;

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"We were returning to my mother who is 90 years old. We have been spared. It’s a miracle," said a woman.&nbsp;

The attack came hours ahead of Russia’s official proclamation regarding the annexation of the region. In the aftermath of the referendums which were declared “sham” by western countries, Russia has claimed victory and formally&nbsp;annexed Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk and Lugansk&nbsp;regions. 
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Twenty five people were killed, and 28 others were injured after a Russian missile strike on the outskirts of the Ukrainian city of Zaporizhzhia, the regional governor said on Friday.

Twenty five people were killed, and 28 others were injured after a Russian missile strike on the outskirts of the Ukrainian city of Zaporizhzhia, the regional governor said on Friday. According to local officials, the missile hit a convoy of civilian vehicles resulting in the death of a number of local inhabitants. "Twenty-five killed and about 50 wounded in an attack by the Russian military on a humanitarian convoy in Zaporizhzhia. Investigation launched," said the prosecutor general's office on Telegram. Also read | At least 17 dead as Hurricane Ian causes massive devastation in Florida The police and emergency workers reached the scene shortly after the missile strike and even the local people helped in getting the people out of the cars. According to Ukraine Times, the cars were sprayed with shrapnel and several of them were badly damaged due to the impact. A witness in Zaporizhzhia told Reuters that the incident took place near the Orekhovo car market and the convoy comprised of three cars and three vans. The missile landed in the middle of the convoy – where it left a huge crater. The bodies were draped up quickly in plastic sheets. Also read | 19 dead and 27 injured after suicide bomb blast at educational center in Kabul "We were returning to my mother who is 90 years old. We have been spared. It’s a miracle," said a woman. The attack came hours ahead of Russia’s official proclamation regarding the annexation of the region. In the aftermath of the referendums which were declared “sham” by western countries, Russia has claimed victory and formally annexed Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk and Lugansk regions.

25 killed and 28 injured in Russian attack on civilian convoy in Zaporizhzhia

Russian President Vladimir Putin has moved to formally annex four Ukrainian territories says they are "Russian forever". It follows referendums in Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia the West has slammed as "illegal".

Breaking News: Putin formally annexes territories in Ukraine, in spite of global opposition

Four regions of Ukraine will hold a referendum on joining Russia, a move which is widely condemned by the West. The Russian-backed leaders in Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, & Kherson have plans to hold votes.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict Update: Four Ukraine regions to vote on joining Russia today

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