Russia, Ukraine Trade Blame for Fire at Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant
The Facts
Russia and Ukraine traded blame for a fire that broke out at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) on Sunday. The plant has been under Russian control since the first weeks of the war.
In posts on social media, Ukrainian Pres. Volodymyr Zelenskyy said: "We see from the city of Nikopol that the occupiers have started a fire on the territory of the ZNPP. As of now the radiation level is normal. However, as long as Russian terrorists remain in control of the nuclear power plant, the situation is not and cannot be normal."
The Spin
A fire broke out at one of the ZNPP's cooling towers after Ukraine targeted the site with drones. While the fire was put out, it caused severe damage to the interior of the cooling tower.
Russia is responsible for the fire at the ZNPP. As long as Russia controls the ZNPP, it will continue to hold Ukraine and Europe hostage by threatening nuclear disaster. This was a provocation staged by Russia to remind them of that.