A blaze broke out near the cargo port adjoining the Russian‑occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant on Tuesday, prompting Ukraine’s Ministry of Energy to investigate the incident while warning that such fire incidents heighten nuclear safety risks.
Fire Near Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant
On Tuesday a fire erupted near the cargo port adjacent to the Russian‑occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, Ukraine’s Ministry of Energy said, and the site is being investigated.
Smoke Spotted in the Port Area
The Ukrainian Ministry of Energy released a statement after observing smoke near the port, noting that the exact location and possible consequences are still being determined, and that the port lies outside the protected zone of the plant.
Ukrainian Officials Accuse Russia of Violating Nuclear Safety Standards
Officials highlighted that this incident underscores the risks posed by Russian occupation of Europe’s largest nuclear facility, citing the ongoing deployment of Russian military equipment and personnel, continual psychological pressure, and violations of international law and core nuclear safety principles.
IAEA Director‑General Urges Restraint Around Nuclear Sites
IAEA Director‑General Rafael Mariano Grossi warned that any attack near a nuclear plant poses a potential threat to nuclear safety and called for maximum military restraint to prevent future accidents.
