Reuters: Russia says thwarted Ukrainian attempt to capture Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant
(Reuters) -Russia's defence ministry said on Thursday Ukrainian forces tried to seize the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant in southern Ukraine and "measures had been taken" to destroy the opposing troops, including use of military aviation.
In a statement, the ministry said that up to 60 Ukrainian troops had crossed the Dnipro river, which divides territory held by the two sides, in boats at 6 a.m. local time (0300 GMT).
It called the operation a "provocation" aimed at disrupting a planned visit by International Atomic Energy Agency inspectors to the nuclear plant. It also accused Ukraine of shelling both the meeting point of the IAEA delegation, and the Russian-held Zaporizhzhia plant itself.
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WNU Editor: No independent confirmation of these Russian reports, but we do know that there was a lot of fighting and artillery strikes near the Zaporozhye nuclear plant today .... UN inspectors finally reach Ukraine nuclear plant after shelling and emergency shutdown of reactor (CNBC). More here .... UN inspectors arrive at Ukraine nuclear plant amid fighting (AP).
Russian Ministry Of Defense Says Ukraine Launched A Commando Raid To Seize The Zaporozhye Nuclear Plant During A Visit By IAEA Inspectors
Ukraine launches raid near Zaporozhye nuclear plant – Russia -- RT
Ukrainian troops captured during raid on nuclear plant – official -- RT
Ukraine Staged Troop-Landing Provocation Near ZNPP to Disrupt IAEA Mission's Visit, Says Russian MoD -- Sputnik
Counter-terrorist operation near Zaporozhye NPP ends — authorities -- TASS
Occupiers ostentatiously capture "Ukrainian terrorists" on eve of IAEA mission arrival at Zaporozhzhia Nuclear Power Plant -- Ukrayinska Pravda
Ukraine planned to use IAEA team as ‘human shields’ – Russia -- RT