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August 29, 2022

Anti-Radiation Iodine Tablets Handed Out as Fighting Rages Near Russian-Held Nuclear Plant
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In Ukraine, Russian and Ukrainian forces continue to trade heavy fire
around the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, raising
fears of a major radiation disaster. Over the weekend, Ukraine accused
Russia of using positions near the plant's six nuclear reactors to stage
artillery attacks on nearby Ukrainian towns. Meanwhile, Russia's Defense
Ministry says it shot down a Ukrainian drone near the Zaporizhzhia
plant's nuclear waste enclosure. Russia also accused Ukraine of shelling
the site several times, which Ukrainian officials deny. Officials have
started handing out iodine tablets to some 400,000 people living near
the plant to help protect them from a potential radioactive release.
This comes as the U.N.'s International Atomic Energy Agency says a team
of experts is on its way to Zaporizhzhia and will arrive later this week
to evaluate the safety and security of Europe's largest nuclear power
station.


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