Ukraine has said Russia is preparing to stage a “provocation” at Europe’s biggest nuclear power plant on Friday.
The country’s intelligence agency made the claim just hours after Moscow accused Ukraine of trying to stage an “accident” there, which may involve a radiation leak, during the UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres’ visit to the war-ravaged nation.
Located in the southeast of Ukraine, the Zaporizhzhia plant was captured by Russia in the early days of the war and in recent weeks has repeatedly come under fire.
Both sides have pointed the finger at each other for the shelling.
Russian news agencies have reported shelling over Enerhodar overnight, close to the power plant, which is being blamed on Ukraine.
There had been suggestions Russia may try to carry out a false flag operation in the area – Russia’s defense ministry earlier claimed Ukraine would stage a “minor accident” and “provocation” – and blame it on them – to coincide with Mr Guterres’ trip.