
Russian soldiers have entered the area surrounding Chernobyl and are trying to seize the former nuclear power plant, the president of Ukraine has said.
Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed Ukrainian troops were fighting with the Russian army around the zone, after invading forces arrived from the direction of Belarus.
“Russian occupation forces are trying to seize the Chernobyl nuclear power plant. Our defenders are giving their lives so that the tragedy of 1986 will not be repeated,” Mr Zelensky said, referring to the explosion of a nuclear reactor which led to radioactive waste spreading across the continent 36 years ago.
“This is a declaration of war against the whole of Europe,” the president added.
The 1986 Chernobyl disaster is the worst nuclear accident in history. The reactor, which 80 miles north of Ukranian capital Kiev, has since been covered by a protective shelter to prevent radiation leak and the entire plant has been decommissioned.
Fighting in the region comes hours after Russian president Vladimir Putin ordered a full-scale invasion of Ukraine.