A fire broke out last night at the Russian-controlled Zaporozhye nuclear plant in Ukraine, but was extinguished, BTA reported, referring to the Russian nuclear operator "Rosatom".
The Ukrainian nuclear energy company "Energoatom" said one of the plant's cooling towers and other equipment were damaged. "Rosatom" also reported damage to the cooling tower, but added that it was not operational.
By order of Russian President Vladimir Putin, measures for vigilance and attention to objects of the strategic infrastructure, including in the Zaporozhye region, have been strengthened, TASS reported, citing the regional governor of the region, Yevgeny Balitsky, appointed by the Russian authorities.
Earlier tonight, Ukraine and Russia exchanged accusations over the fire at the plant. According to Ukrainian officials, Russian forces controlling the site started the fire in the cooling tower, possibly as a provocation or to instill panic. According to Russian officials, the fire was caused by a Ukrainian strike, citing a drone strike.
The International Atomic Energy Agency said its experts on the ground received no indication that the fire threatened nuclear safety. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that there is no increase in the radiation background.