Shells hit a high-voltage power line at the Zaporizhzhia plant, prompting operators to shut down a reactor, even though no radioactive leak was detected. The factory was seized by Russian forces in March, but is still operated by Ukrainian technicians. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused Moscow of committing “an open, brazen crime” and “an act of terrorism” – and is calling for new sanctions on Russia’s entire nuclear industry. In a late-night speech, he said: “It is purely a matter of security. Those who pose nuclear threats to other nations are certainly not capable of using nuclear technologies safely.” Ukraine’s foreign ministry warned: “The possible consequences of hitting a functioning reactor are equivalent to using an atomic bomb.” Meanwhile, the Russian Defense Ministry claimed that Ukraine’s armed forces were responsible and said it was a matter of luck that a radioactive leak was avoided. It said in a statement: “Fortunately, the Ukrainian shells did not hit the oil and fuel facilities and the oxygen plant nearby, thus avoiding a larger fire and a possible radiological accident.” Energoatom – Ukraine’s state-owned nuclear power company – says the Zaporizhzhia plant remains operational and no radioactive releases have been detected. Earlier this week, the UN nuclear watchdog appealed for access to the plant, with Washington claiming Russia is using the site as a battle shield. Use Chrome browser for more accessible video player 0:58 Ukraine is strengthening its “drone army”. More grain shipments are leaving Ukraine In other developments, three more ships carrying thousands of tonnes of corn left Ukrainian ports on Friday. It is another sign that a grain export deal that has stalled since Russia invaded the country nearly six months ago is slowly moving forward. Subscribe to Ukraine War Diaries on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify and Spreaker But there are obstacles to getting food to the countries that need it most, and experts say most of the supplies Ukraine is trying to export will be used for animal feed. The shipments are not expected to have a significant impact on the global price of corn, wheat and soybeans.