Boris Johnson Says Putin’s Nuclear Plant Attack Could ‘Directly Threaten The Safety Of All Europe’

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said Vladimir Putin's attack on a Ukrainian nuclear power plant could 'directly threaten the safety of all of Europe.'

A fire burned for at least four hours after the facility was struck with shells, while emergency responders reportedly faced gunfire as they tried to extinguish the blaze.

The blaze has since been extinguished.

A Downing Street spokesperson described the situation at the nuclear power station as 'gravely concerning' and said both Zelenskyy and Johnson agreed Russia 'must immediately cease its attack on the power station and allow unfettered access for emergency services to the plant.'

They continued: 'The Prime Minister said the reckless actions of President Putin could now directly threaten the safety of all of Europe. He said the UK would do everything it could to ensure the situation did not deteriorate further.'

Both leaders also agreed a ceasefire was crucial.

He added: 'Only immediate action of Europe can stop Russian troops and prevent the death of Europe from the disaster at a nuclear station.'

The attack at the power plant has also been criticised by Nato’s secretary general Jens Stontenberg, who said: 'We condemn the attacks on civilians and overnight we have also seen the reports about the attacks against a nuclear power plant.

'This just shows the recklessness of this war and the importance of ending it. And the importance of Russia withdrawing all its troops and engaging in good faith in diplomatic efforts.'

The US Energy Department activated its nuclear response team as a precaution following the strikes at the power plant, though the International Atomic Energy Agency has said that the fire has not affected essential equipment or caused radiation levels to change. Moves have also been made to safely shut down the reactors at the plant in the wake of the attack.