Russian forces are firing from all sides at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) as its invasion of Ukraine heads into the ninth day, informed Ukraine’s foreign affairs minister Dmytro Kuleba.

Kuleba said that the Zaporizhzhia NPP, which is the largest nuclear plant in Europe, has already caught fire, warning that if it was to blow up; the catastrophe would be 10 times larger than Chernobyl.

Taking to Twitter, Kuleba wrote, “Russian army is firing from all sides upon Zaporizhzhia NPP, the largest nuclear power plant in Europe. Fire has already broke out. If it blows up, it will be 10 times larger than Chornobyl! Russians must IMMEDIATELY cease the fire, allow firefighters, establish a security zone!”

Meanwhile, ANI reported that elevated levels of radiation were detected near the nuclear plant which provides about 25 percent of Ukraine’s power generation.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) tweeted, “IAEA is aware of reports of shelling at Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (NPP), in contact with Ukrainian authorities about situation."

Notably, air raid alerts were heard in Odesa, Bila Tserkva, and Volyn Oblast and residents were advised to head towards the nearest shelter, reported ANI.