Russian forces have seized control of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant after a “full-scale” assault on Ukraine.
It was revealed by a presidential adviser to the Associated Press that Ukrainian officials are unsure of the current condition of the power plant.
“After the absolutely senseless attack of the Russians in this direction, it is impossible to say that the Chernobyl nuclear power plant is safe,” said Myhailo Podolyak.
Earlier Thursday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Russian forces were planning to take control of the plant.
“Our defenders are giving their lives so that the tragedy of 1986 will not be repeated. … This is a declaration of war against the whole of Europe,” Zelensky said on Twitter.
Chernobyl was the site of a horrible nuclear accident in 1986, which is considered the worst nuclear disaster in history.
The power plant is located near Pripyat, around 60 miles from the capital Kyiv, and about 10 miles from the Russian border.
According to the New York Post, during the fighting, “Russian shelling reportedly hit a radioactive waste repository and an increase in radiation levels was reported”.
After Vladimir Putin declared a “special military operation,” multiple cities and villages were hit with air attacks and explosions.
Aleksey Arestovich, adviser to the head of the country’s presidential office, reported that dozens have been killed and many are injured.
The defence ministry in Moscow had said “there is no threat to the civilian population,” but dozens of civilians have reportedly been killed during the attacks.
Russian troops have also seized control of the Antonov Airport, also known as the Hostomel Airport, which is approximately 10 miles northwest of Kyiv.
Ukraine’s national guard shot down three Russian helicopters that were part of a fleet of 34 during an air assault on the airport.