Russian forces in Ukraine seize Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant

Update: Ukraine has informed the International Atomic Energy Agency that it has lost control over the facilities in the area of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant: “As a result of attack, all facilities at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant, located in the exclusion zone — namely the spent nuclear fuel storage facilities (ISF-1 and ISF-2), the New Safe Confinement structure, and blocks № 1, 2, and 3 — were seized by armed forces without any insignia.”

Russian forces have seized the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant, a representative of the Ukrainian President’s Office confirmed on Thursday evening.

“After a fierce battle our control over the Chernobyl site was lost. The condition of the former Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant, confinement, and nuclear waste storage facilities is unknown. After the Russians’ absolutely senseless attacks in this area, it’s impossible to say that the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant is safe. This is one of the most serious threats to Europe today,” reported Mykhailo Podolyak, an advisor to President Volodymyr Zelensky’s chief of staff.

Ukraine’s President Zelensky confirmed reports that Russian forces were trying to seize the Chernobyl NPP earlier in the day.

The Russian authorities have yet to comment.