The United States has accused Russia of turning the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant into an “active war zone” as part of “its strategy to create an energy crisis in Europe”, after it was disconnected from the grid.
The world narrowly avoided a “radiation disaster” as electricity to the plant was cut for hours due to shelling in the area, sparking fires in the ash pits of a nearby coal power station which disconnected the reactor complex from the power grid, according to Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky.
Back-up diesel generators ensured power supply that is vital for cooling and safety systems at the plant, he said, adding: “If our station staff had not reacted after the blackout, then we would have already been forced to overcome the consequences of a radiation accident.”
Meanwhile, Vladimir Putin has signed a decree to expand the Russian army by 137,000 troops, amid reports from Ukraine and its allies that the Kremlin’s forces have suffered severe casualties over the past six months.
