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Ukrainian forces attacked the Zaporozhye nuclear power plant (ZNPP) on Friday, cutting two electricity transmission lines, the Energodar administration told Sputnik.

"Today, around 3 p.m. [12:00 GMT], during the shift change of ZNPP employees, nationalist units shelled the territory of Zaporizhzhia NPP from the territory controlled by the Ukrainian criminal regime. As a result of this act of terrorism, two power lines supplying electricity to 750-kilovolt outdoor switchgear, necessary for power supply and safe operation of the Zaporizhzhia NPP's power units, were severed," an administration official said.    

According to the official, the shelling ignited a large fire in the vicinity of the plant, which is being controlled by personnel from a local fire department.

"At the moment, it is not possible to proceed with the localization of the fire as severed power lines are under voltage, and there is a high probability of precipitation," he said.    

The official went on to say that the Energodar administration and the Zaporozhye region are taking all necessary steps to reopen the ZNPP whenever it becomes feasible again.

According to a member of the main council of the administration of Zaporozhye regional administration,  Vladimir Rogov, told RIA Sputnik that the Ukrainian troops attempted to disrupt the reactor cooling system and cause a disaster.

"This is not just a provocation, but an attempt to cause a man-made disaster. Zelenskyy’s militants, with maniacal persistence, are trying to ensure that something terrible and irreparable happens at the nuclear power plant," Rogov said.    

Rogov also urged the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to intervene immediately and put an end to Ukraine's attacks on the nuclear power facility. 

In March, Russian forces took full control of the NPP; the Kherson region and most of the Zaporozhye region in Ukraine are now controlled by Russian military forces and local military-civilian administrations that have been formed there.

Read more: Russia rejects claims it uses Zaporozhye NPP as military base