Zelensky speaks after fire breaks out at Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant
Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia facility, which is Europe’s biggest nuclear power plant, has been taken over on Friday by Russian troops who had attacked the site in early hours.
Overnight shelling and firing had started a fire in an adjacent training facility, sparking fears of a nuclear disaster.
Visuals showed heavy shelling and fighting at the nuclear power plant between Russian troops and local forces, triggering concern among the world’s leading nuclear facility as the fear of an attack 10 times of Chernobyl loomed.
Vladimir Putin ordered Russian invasion of Ukraine has entered its second week.
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky warned of Russian plan of nuclear disaster in a video message, as he urged Europe to “wake up now”.
Russian aggression on Ukraine has escalated in the last couple of days as key cities like Kharkiv, Odesa and Mariupol remained on the brink of collapse due to missile strikes and bombings.
More than thousands have been killed or wounded and over a million refugees have fled Ukraine since Russia ordered the invasion last Thursday.
Mariupol still in Ukrainian hands but Russian attacks intensifying, says UK
Mariupol has come under heavy Russian bombardment in recent days, with the town’s council warning that a humanitarian crisis looms.
The southeastern port city is still under Ukrainian control but it is now encircled by Russian troops, according to British military intelligence.
“Mariupol remains under Ukrainian control but has likely been encircled by Russian forces,” the Ministry of Defense said. “The city’s civilian infrastructure has been subjected to intense Russian strikes.”
Rory Sullivan4 March 2022 07:19
Ukraine needs ‘closed sky’, urges Zelensky’s adviser
The adviser to Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky urged the western nations to take the responsibility for ending the war on European nation.
“The logic of this war is the build-up of missile and air strikes on civilian infrastructure, large cities and civilians. Only a “closed sky” will sharply stop the escalation. It’s time for Western partners to take responsibility for ending the war,” adviser to the Ukrainian presidential office, Mykhailo Podolyak said today.
Harpan Rai4 March 2022 06:58
Russia captures Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant
Russian forces have successfully captured the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine’s southeast part, officials from the regional administration confirmed today.
“Currently, the site of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant is occupied by the military forces of the Russian federation,” a statement released by the Ukrainian authorities read.
It comes shortly after the military forces of the Russian federation performed shelling the nuclear power plant facility, as a result of which a fire broke out on the site, the officials said.
Harpan Rai4 March 2022 06:44
Lindsey Graham calls for Putin to be assassinated by someone close to him
Calling for the assassination of Russian president Vladimir Putin by someone close to him, US Senator Lindsay Graham asked if there is a “Brutus” who can take him out and end the war.
The country’s invasion of Ukraine entered its ninth day on Friday.
Harpan Rai4 March 2022 06:37
No change in radiation levels at Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant: IAEA
Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant personnel are taking mitigatory actions after the facility’s surrounding regions came under attack during Russian invasion, officials from the International Atomic Energy Agency said.
The ‘essential’ equipment at the nuclear facility was not affected after a fire and no change was observed in the radiation levels, the energy agency said.
The plant in Ukraine’s southeast was shelled heavily overnight.
Read The Independence’s full report on this:
Harpan Rai4 March 2022 06:22
Russia restricts access to BBC Russian service, Radio Liberty
Officials in Russia have restricted access to BBC Russian service, Radio Liberty and Meduza media outlet, Moscow’s communications watchdog said today.
This comes just a day after the BBC was accused of undermining internal political situation and security in Russia by the country’s foreign ministry.
Harpan Rai4 March 2022 06:16
Putin’s actions directly threaten Europe’s safety: Boris Johnson
Russian president Vladimir Putin’s “reckless actions” could directly threaten the safety of all of Europe, Boris Johnson said on Friday, shortly after the Zaporizhzhia nuclear facility in Ukraine’s southeast came under serious threat from shelling.
“Russia must immediately cease its attack on the power station and allow unfettered access for emergency services to the plant,” he added.
In a press release Downing Street said: “The prime minister said the reckless actions of President Putin could now directly threaten the safety of all of Europe.”
Sravasti Dasgupta has the full story here:
Harpan Rai4 March 2022 05:58
Airbnb to shut down operations in Russia and Belarus
Home rental company Airbnb Inc has decided to suspend all its operations in Russia and Belarus, its ally in invading Ukraine, company’s CEO Brian Chesky said on Twitter.
His profile name carried the icon of Ukraine’s flag, which has been a key way on social media platforms to show solidarity with the European country.
Harpan Rai4 March 2022 04:58
Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant fire put out: Officials
The fire at Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant has been put out, officials from Ukraine’s state emergency service said.
Harpan Rai4 March 2022 04:53
‘How can you sleep when children are under bombs?’: Ukraine pleads for more aircraft
Seeking more military aircrafts to defend Ukraine from Russian invasion, Ukraine’s foreign minister made an emotional plea in the early hour of Friday.
“Our aces heroically defended our skies. But Russia has advantage. Dear partners who still have not provided Ukraine with military aircraft: how can you sleep when Ukrainian children are under bombs in Mariupol, Kherson, Kharkiv, other cities?” the minister wrote on Twitter.
“You can make this decision now. Do it!”
Russia has battered Ukraine with a ground and air offensive that has killed thousands and driven more than 1 million people from their homes.
My colleague Liam James has the full report here:
Harpan Rai4 March 2022 04:46
www.independent.co.uk
George Holan is chief editor at Plainsmen Post and has articles published in many notable publications in the last decade.
