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Ukraine sets up crisis center to deal with Zaporizhzhia situation

In this file photo taken on May 1, 2022, a Russian serviceman patrols the territory of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Energodar. (ANDREY BORODULIN / AFP)

KYIV – Ukraine set up a crisis center to deal with the possible emergency situation at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant (NPP) in southern Ukraine, the government-run Ukrinform news agency reported on Wednesday.

Created on the base of Ukraine's state-run nuclear energy operator Energoatom, the center will work round the clock to monitor the situation at the Zaporizhzhia NPP, Energy Minister Herman Galushchenko told reporters.

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The new government body will involve representatives of Ukrainian ministries, departments and institutions, said the minister.

Last week, Ukraine and Russia exchanged accusations over a strike on the Zaporizhzhia plant, which is one of the largest atomic power complexes in Europe and generates a quarter of Ukraine's total electricity.

On Aug 11, Ukraine called for an international mission to the plant under the leadership of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to assess the threats to nuclear safety. 

3 corn vessels leave Ukraine

A fleet of three vessels carrying 33,000 tonnes of corn, wheat and sunflower oil departed Ukraine on Wednesday, according to the Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority.

So far, total 24 ships have left Ukraine under a grain deal signed last month in Türkiye.

ALSO READ: 12 vessels authorized to leave Ukraine for grain export, says UN

Also on Wednesday, five vessels entered Ukrainian ports for loading. They are expected to supply more than 70,000 tonnes of wheat, bran, sunflower oil and corn to international markets.

Russian operation in Kherson Region

A large number of Ukrainian reserve troops, weapons and military equipment arriving for unloading at Kalinindorf railway station in Kherson Region have been destroyed, the Russian defense ministry said in its daily report on Wednesday.

In addition, nine missile and artillery weapons, ammunition depots and three fuel depots have been destroyed by Russian forces, it added.