CNN/ Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky said that the Kremlin’s efforts to take over a massive nuclear power plant was “terror at an unprecedented level,” and again called for NATO to implement a no-fly zone over his country.
Russian forces have now “occupied” the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine. Earlier, a fire broke out at the facility, according to Ukrainian nuclear authorities. The blaze had sparked fears of an accident.
“The Russian tanks knew that they were firing with a direct fire at the station,” Zelensky alleged.”
Zelensky drew parallels with the 1986 disaster at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, the world’s worst-ever nuclear accident, but there is no indication that any of the reactors at Zaporizhzia have been affected by the shelling.
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The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) earlier called for a stop to fighting around the facility but said Ukrainian authorities had reported background radiation levels were normal and the fire had not affected “essential” equipment.
Zelensky also reiterated his appeal for a NATO no-fly zone over Ukraine, saying “an immediate closure of the skies over Ukraine is needed.”
The United States has previously ruled out using troops to create a no-fly zone. Such a move could put American forces in direct combat with Russia.