Russian missile strikes on western Ukraine came ‘dangerously close’ to nuclear power plant, says Ukrainian energy company

The Ukrainian energy company Energoatom reports that two cruise missiles flew over the South Ukraine Nuclear Power Plant, located in the Mykolaiv region, during a Russian strike, on the morning of February 18. 

According to Energoatom, the missiles “passed dangerously close to a nuclear facility” at 8:25 am and 8:27 am local time. The company did not provide any proof of their claims.

“The threat of a missile attack on the reactor and the possible consequences — nuclear catastrophe — was once again high,” said Energoatom.

On the morning of February 18, according to the Ukrainian Armed Forces, Russia launched four Kalibr missiles at Ukraine from the Black Sea. Two were reportedly shot down, one hit a military target in Khmelnytsky, and another hit a public transport stop, said Governor of the Khmelnytsky region Serhiy Hamaliy.

Khmelntysky mayor Oleksandr Symchyshyn says the strike damaged about 10 multi-story buildings and three educational institutions in the city. Two people were injured.