A fire that broke out in one of Europe’s largest nuclear power plants after heavy shelling by Russian forces was put out early Friday as key Ukrainian cities were attacked by invading troops.
Here’s what you need to know today:
The fire at the nuclear power plant was extinguished: A fire at the Zaporozhye nuclear power plant initially raised fears of a potential accident, but was later put out. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) also said the reactors at the plant were safe and no radioactive material was released.
However, IAEA chief Rafael Mariano Grossi said it was “unprecedented” to operate a nuclear power plant while military operations were raging nearby.
Charges fly: Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has led a chorus of leaders who have condemned the Kremlin for deliberate shelling of the plant. NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg said the clashes at the nuclear facility showed “the recklessness of this war”, while UK Foreign Secretary Dominique Raab said “it is very difficult to believe that this was not done on purpose”.
And the Ukrainian nuclear operator said the plant’s management was now “working on target”.
Russia’s Defense Ministry has denied the allegations. A spokesman said her forces took control of the plant and its surrounding area on Monday, but were attacked by a “Ukrainian sabotage group” early Friday morning.
The Russian government routinely and without evidence claims that the Ukrainian government is organizing “provocations” to provoke a military response from Western governments.
Key cities under attack: Russia besieges key Ukrainian city of Mariupol. The deputy mayor of the southeastern city said he was “surrounded” by Russian forces and desperately needed military and humanitarian aid.
In northeastern Ukraine, 34 civilians were killed in Russian attacks on the Kharkiv region over a 24-hour period, emergency services said Thursday. The mayor of Kharkiv said the Russian army was “deliberately trying to eliminate the Ukrainian people” as it targets civilian areas. Russian troops are also advancing on Odessa, a strategically important city on the south coast.
Negotiations end without a breakthrough: A Ukrainian negotiator said on Thursday that the second round of talks with Russia has not yielded any of the results Ukraine needs.
However, humanitarian corridors for civilians have been agreed by both sides. Zelenski said today the world will see if these corridors work.
Growing humanitarian crisis: The UN estimates that more than 10 million people may flee their homes in Ukraine, including 4 million who may cross the border into neighboring countries. More than 1 million have already fled. Do you want to help? You can learn how to support humanitarian efforts in Ukraine here.
