Zelenskiy: Russia is threatening a nuclear disaster

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STORY: In his nightly address, Zelenskiy said new sanctions were needed including on Russia's nuclear industry.

''The world should not forget about Chernobyl and [should] remember that the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant is the largest in Europe. The Chernobyl disaster is an explosion in one reactor, Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant is six power units,'' Zelesnkiy said.

Both sides have traded blame for the shelling at the nuclear power plant amid international alarm that their battle for control of the plant could trigger catastrophe.

Russia's invading forces seized the southern Ukrainian region containing Zaporizhzhia in March, when the site was struck without damage to its reactors. The area, including the city of Kherson, is now the target of a Ukrainian counter-offensive.

Ukraine appealed for the area around the complex to be demilitarized and for the International Atomic Energy Agency, the U.N.'s nuclear watchdog, to be let in. Russia said it too favored an IAEA visit, which it accused Ukraine of blocking while trying to "take Europe hostage" by shelling the plant.

Ukraine blamed Russia for weekend attacks around the complex, which is still being run by Ukrainian technicians. It said three radiation sensors were damaged and two workers injured by shrapnel.