The head of the UN Nuclear Observatory warned of a "grave critical moment" facing the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant after intensifying military activity in the region. .
Ukraine and Russia blamed each other for yesterday's attacks near the scene.
A direct hit on Europe's largest power plant wouldhave devastating consequences.
The head of the United Nations nuclear watchdog warned of a 'critical moment' amid renewed Chernobyl scare.
"This is a critical moment, a critical moment, and the International Atomic Energy Agency Energy Agencies should fulfill their mission to Zaporizhia as soon as possible. should be allowed,' Rafael Grossi said at last night's UN emergency meeting.
US officials echoed calls for a demilitarized zone, adding that fighting near factories was "dangerous and irresponsible."
Ukraine claims that Russian forces have turned nuclear sites into military bases and speculates that the Kyiv military will not retaliate.
The area was attacked five times yesterday, according to Energoatom, the state company that runs the Zaporizhia factory.
It is believed that there was a dangerous amount of fire near where radioactive materials were stored.
"Russian aggressors have again shelled the territory near the Zaporizhia factory and nuclear facility," Ukrainian officials said in a statement.
The site has been the focus of numerous clashes between the two countries since March.
Images of chilling fires near the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant have led to desperate calls for a demilitarized zone in the area.
Poor quality videos shared on social media clearly show smoke rising after the gunfire.
Zaporizhia's nuclear operations are still run by Ukrainian engineers and staff, but the plant itself is controlled by Russia.
Russia's UN envoy Vasily Nebenzha said attempts to blame Moscow for the attack were "too ridiculous to hear from respectable adults."
He told a UN Security Council meeting: “Representatives of the Kyiv regime were the only ones during today's session to claim that Russia was shelling the Zaporizhia NPP and the city of Energodar it controls.”
Antonio Guterres, United Nations The secretary-general called on both sides to stop all fighting near the power plant, which should be a demilitarized zone.
As of 1 January, the city of Zaporizhia had a population of 710,052.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky focused on the power plant situation in his latest national address.
He likened Russia's actions in the region to "uncovered nuclear blackmail".
In his video speech, Zelensky said:
"Only by the complete withdrawal of the Russians from the territory of the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant and the restoration of full Ukrainian control over the situation around the power plant will Europe'
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