'Europe's Largest' Ukraine Nuclear Power Plant Catches Fire Due to Russian Shelling

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyun-jung] Major foreign media including CNN reported on the 4th (local time) that a fire broke out due to an attack by Russian forces at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, the largest in Europe, located in Ukraine.

According to reports, Dmytro Orlov, mayor of Enerhodar city in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, southeastern Ukraine, stated on his social media that the nuclear power plant was attacked by Russian forces early that morning. He wrote, "A fire broke out due to shelling of the largest nuclear power plant in Europe," adding, "This is a threat to global security." He further urged, "We demand an immediate halt to the bombing of the power plant. Stop it immediately."

Andriy Tus, spokesperson for the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, also posted on social media, "Russian forces shelled the nuclear power plant causing a fire," and warned, "Stop the heavy weapons attack. (Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant) is the largest nuclear power plant in Europe. A real nuclear risk is looming."

The Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant is a large-scale facility housing 6 of the 15 reactors operating in Ukraine. It accounts for about one-quarter of Ukraine's total power generation and is considered the largest in Europe.

Firefighters and other emergency personnel at the scene are reportedly having difficulty accessing the plant. Dmytro Orlov, mayor of the nearby city of Enerhodar, wrote on social media, "The fire at the power plant continues," and "Firefighters cannot go there." Earlier, he also wrote, "Fierce fighting is taking place at the entrance to the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant," adding, "Our defense forces are defending, and there are casualties, but the exact number and situation are currently unknown."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.