Europe's Largest Nuclear Power Plant On Fire After Shelling

Russian forces have taken control of a major European nuclear facility. A fire was reported but extinguished without major damage. Experts warn that such fires can harm critical safety systems, which rely on grid connections for cooling. Disruptions to the power grid could have serious nuclear safety implications. Fortunately, Ukrainian officials report no change in radiation levels, though checks for other damage are ongoing. The US Department of Energy is monitoring the situation and has activated its nuclear incident response team.

What recent event occurred at one of Europe's largest nuclear facilities?

What did Ukrainian officials report about the fire caused by the attacks?

How are Ukrainian power plants affected by attacks on the power grid?

What are the potential implications of shutting off the connection to the grid for nuclear reactors?

What measures is the US Energy Department taking in response to the situation?