Minister Sandov: There is no leakage of radiation in the Zaporozhye NPP, security measures have been strengthened in our Kozloduy NPP

"It is extremely worrying that such fierce fighting is taking place near nuclear power plants. This is a big risk, but I want to reassure Bulgarian citizens that there is no radiation." This was stated to bTV by the Minister of Ecology Biroslav Sandov.

The fire broke out outside the reactor zones, he confirmed. Earlier today, Ukrainian authorities announced that the fire was localized and was in the administrative building of the nuclear complex.

Sandov announced that on the home page of the website of the Ministry of Ecology since the beginning of the week there is a link to a map of Europe with information about the gamma background over the entire continent.

"Separately, the wind is currently northwest-southeast, but of course, we hope that there will be no accident," the eco-minister added. He added that since the beginning of the war in Ukraine there is a headquarters of the Council of Ministers and a plan of action in crisis situations.

"I want to reassure Bulgarian citizens. There is no leakage of radiation from this explosion and fire. It is very worrying that fighting is taking place at one of the largest nuclear power plants, "said the Minister of Ecology. He said security measures have been stepped up at Bulgaria's Kozloduy nuclear power plant.

Regarding the Bulgarian NPP, Minister Sandov reminded that Bulgaria uses Russian nuclear fuel and is completely dependent on its imports.

Kozloduy NPP may not be able to complete the planned repairs because spare parts are supplied by Russia. This was announced on bTV by Prof. Georgi Kaschiev. It is very worrying what is happening at the Zaporozhye NPP, which is the largest of 4 in Ukraine, he said about the fire at the plant, which has already been extinguished. He explained that if the Ukrainians were pressured, they could respond with strikes on Russian nuclear power plants along the border.

"About 100 km from the border with Ukraine there is a Russian power plant with 4 Chernobyl-type reactors." Ukrainians have missile units and can, if pressed, attack," the professor warned. He added that if the rift with Russia deepens, we could suffer economically, but the Kozloduy nuclear power plant will not be able to complete the planned repairs, because spare parts are supplied from Putin's homeland.

According to Kaschiev, there are many scenarios related to the Ukrainian power plant.

"Imagine if the power lines coming out of the plant are damaged, if they explode, the plant is left without power, you have to rely on emergency generators that cannot work for a long time, but there are many scenarios and measures cannot be foreseen." said the expert.

According to local authorities, the fire was located in a training building outside the active perimeter of the reactors.

Prof. Kaschiev explained that this nuclear power plant is very important for Ukraine, as it has 6 reactors.

The units at Zaporozhye NPP are WWER type, and their reinforced construction includes tons of concrete and steel in order to ensure that the power units are as well protected as possible in any situation.

"This power plant is important, as there is nothing to replace it with an energy source, if it is turned off, it can somehow survive. The mere fact that a nuclear power plant is being shelled is worrying, whether it is blackmail or action by field commanders, cannot be said," he explained. According to him, this is perceived as nuclear terrorism.