Putin Warns of Retaliation Over Nuclear Plant Tensions

Russian President Vladimir Putin issued a stark warning to Ukraine, cautioning that the ongoing strikes near the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant could provoke serious retaliation. His comments intensified the already tense atmosphere surrounding Europe's largest nuclear facility.

The plant, which has been disconnected from external power for over a week, relies on emergency diesel generators for cooling. Both Russian and Ukrainian officials are trading accusations for the facility's precarious situation, with each side blaming the other for cutting off external power and shelling the vicinity.

Putin dismissed claims that Russia would shell a nuclear power plant under its control, stating that the overall situation remains manageable. However, the potential threat to critical nuclear infrastructure remains a high-stakes issue amid the ongoing conflict.

(With inputs from agencies.)