Ukraine, Russia Trade Blame After Fire at Europe’s Largest Nuclear Power Plant

The IAEA says there is no risk of elevated radiation levels at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, and no impact on nuclear safety so far.

A view of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant from the bank of Kakhovka Reservoir near the town of Nikopol in Ukraine on June 16, 2023. Alina Smutko/Reuters

Ukraine and Russia traded blamed on Sunday for a massive fire that erupted at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant—the largest in Europe—in southern Ukraine, a region currently occupied by Russian forces.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said in a statement that its experts spotted “thick dark smoke” coming from the northwestern area of the plant on Aug. 11 after hearing multiple explosions.