Russian rockets hit cities near Ukraine nuclear plant, raising fears of catastrophe

Russian rockets and artillery strikes hit areas across a river from the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine, officials said Sunday, heightening fears of radiation leaks and possible catastrophe.

Zaporizhzhia, Europe’s largest nuclear power plant, was captured by Moscow soon after the war began six months ago. Russia also holds adjacent territory along the left bank of the wide Dnieper River, while Ukraine maintains control of the right bank, including two cities, Nikopol and Marhanets, which are each about six miles from the plant.

Periodic blasts have damaged the power station’s infrastructure, according to Ukraine’s nuclear power operator.

“There are risks of hydrogen leakage and sputtering of radioactive substances, and the fire hazard is high,” Energoatom said Saturday.