RUSSIAN TROOPS HAVE captured the Chernobyl nuclear power plant this evening after a battle with Ukrainian troops.

There were reports of a battle taking place at the power plant this afternoon, with footage showing Russian soldiers in position near the facility.

In a statement this evening, an advisor to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that the country’s control over the site was lost after a “fierce battle”.

“After the absolutely senseless attack of the Russians in this direction, it is impossible to say that the Chernobyl nuclear power plant is safe. This is one of the most serious threats to Europe today,” said Mykhailo Podolyak.

Earlier today, Zelensky said that the attacks on Chernobyl by Russia was a “declaration of war on all of Europe”.

Russian troops entered Chernobyl from Belarus, according to the Ukrainian government, who said that they were fought by the national guard who protect the radioactive waste storage.

Russian troops entered the area of Chornobyl NPP from the territory of Belarus.

They are being fought off by the National Guard protecting the radioactive waste storage.#StopRussianAggression #RussiaInvadedUkraine pic.twitter.com/cRn76ZIKEe

— Stratcom Centre UA (@StratcomCentre) February 24, 2022

Chernobyl itself is only 134 kilometres away from the Ukrainian capital city of Kyiv, which was hit by bombing earlier today following the commencement of attacks on Ukraine.

Chernobyl was the site of the world’s worst nuclear disaster, after a botched safety test of the fourth reactor in 1986.

An airfield close to Kyiv was captured by Russian forces earlier today, with Zelensky vowing to retake the site in a video address earlier this afternoon.

“Enemy paratroopers have been blocked in Gostomel — our troops have been given the order to destroy them,” Zelensky said.

With reporting by AFP