Europe's largest nuclear power plant is on fire in Ukraine following a Russian attack.
CCTV cameras at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant have been live-streaming the assault on YouTube for several hours.
Facility spokesman Andrei Tuz said in a video posted on the plant’s Telegram account: “As a result of shelling by Russian forces on the Zaporizhia Nuclear Power Plant, a fire broke out."
The fire reportedly broke out in a training building outside the plant's perimeter and the condition of the blaze was labeled 'normal'.
Advert
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said Russians were attacking the facility from 'all sides'.
He warned that if the facility explodes then it will be '10 times larger than Chernobyl'.
"Russians must IMMEDIATELY cease the fire, allow firefighters, establish a security zone! (sic),” Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba tweeted.
ABC News says the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power is far more technologically advanced compared to Chernobyl and the fallout will be far greater if the attacks continue.
Advert
A government official, who spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity, said there have already been 'elevated levels of radiation' detected near the site since the assault began.
However, Ukraine's regulator told the IAEA here has been 'no change' reported in radiation levels at the site, according to Sky News.
9News reports Enerhodar Mayor Dmytro Orlov and the Ukrainian state atomic energy company have claimed the Russian military has been heading towards the plant.
Mayor Orlov said on Telegram: “A threat to world security!!! As a result of relentless shelling by the enemy of the buildings and blocks of the largest nuclear power plant in Europe, the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant is on fire!!!”
Advert
There were reportedly 'loud shots and rocket fire heard' around the site.
"Firefighters can't start extinguishing the fire at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant - they are being fired on at point-blank range. There is already a hit on the first power unit," said Ukraine’s atomic energy ministry.
The International Atomic Energy Agency added a call for the attack to stop.
Director General Grossi 'appealed for an immediate halt to the use of force at Enerhodar and called on the military forces operating there to refrain from violence near the nuclear power plant'.
If you would like to donate to the Red Cross Emergency Appeal, which will help provide food, medicines and basic medical supplies, shelter and water to those in Ukraine, click here for more information.
Stewart Perrie