The Ukrainian presidency announced on Thursday the control of Russian forces over the Chernobyl nuclear site, after a fierce battle fought with the Ukrainian forces.

Ukrainian presidential advisor Mykhailo Podolak explained that Ukraine "lost control" of the Chernobyl plant, according to the Associated Press agency.

He added: "The Ukrainian authorities do not know the current situation of the facilities in Chernobyl, the site of the world's worst nuclear disaster."

He continued: "After the Russian reckless attack in this direction, it is impossible to say that the Chernobyl nuclear power plant is safe."

Earlier on Thursday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Russian forces are trying to seize the Chernobyl plant, noting that Ukrainian soldiers "are sacrificing their lives to prevent a second Chernobyl disaster."

Intent
A nuclear reactor exploded at the plant located 130 kilometers north of the Ukrainian capital Kyiv in April 1986, resulting in the release of radioactive waste across Europe.

The exploded reactor has been covered with a protective shield for several years to prevent radioactive leakage.