Russia seizes Ukrainian nuclear plant

Russian forces seized Europe’s largest nuclear power plant, the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Station in Ukraine, after clashes at the plant caused a fire and sparked fears of a nuclear disaster. Ukraine’s nuclear agency reported that no leaks were detected (Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty). As fighting continues across Ukraine, the United States announced the establishment of a military hotline with Russia to prevent miscalculations. NATO foreign ministers will meet today (Reuters). Yesterday, Ukrainian and Russian envoys agreed on the need to create humanitarian corridors but made no further breakthroughs in talks (BBC).

Amid Russia’s crackdown on independent media, the lower house of parliament passed a bill that would allow jail sentences of up to fifteen years for anyone deemed to have spread “fake” information about the Russian armed forces. The bill will now be sent to the upper house and President Vladimir Putin for approval (Moscow Times). Elsewhere, a joint statement from the leaders of the so-called Quad—the United States, Australia, India, and Japan—announced that the countries will establish a joint humanitarian aid mechanism for Ukraine but stopped short of condemning Russia’s actions (Indian Express).

March 4, 2022.