Smoke Reported Near Russian-Held Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Facility

Smoke has been detected near the cargo port area of the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, with the exact location and potential consequences of the fire still under investigation. Ukrainian officials emphasize that the cargo port lies outside the plant's secured perimeter, but stress that any military actions or provocations at the site could have catastrophic consequences for Europe. The Ministry of Energy condemned the Russian military presence and use of the facility for military purposes, calling it a violation of international law and nuclear safety principles. This incident follows previous attacks near the plant, including artillery fire targeting spent nuclear fuel storage, raising serious safety concerns. Ukrainian authorities and international observers continue to call for the immediate demilitarization and return of full control of the plant to Ukraine to prevent further threats. The ongoing Russian occupation and military activity at Europe’s largest nuclear facility remain a major source of regional and continental risk.