The United States is closely monitoring the situation at the Zaporozhye nuclear power plant in Ukraine, CNN writes, citing a statement by a senior US defense official..

The official called Russia's actions around the nuclear power plant "

“This is a situation that the US government and the national security community are watching very closely.. We are very concerned about military operations at or near any of Ukraine's nuclear power facilities and very concerned about any reports of damage to the Zaporozhye nuclear power plant specifically,"

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He also noted that the United States had made clear the danger of hostilities near the nuclear power plant and warned the Russian Federation against any action by its troops that could lead to a potential release of radiation..

“We really consider Russia’s current actions at and around the station to be the height of irresponsibility,” the official added..

The US expects Russia to return full control of the plant to Ukraine and comply with International Atomic Energy Agency guarantees, as well as provide access to the plant, he stressed..

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Earlier, the US State Department said that if Russia does not stop its occupation policy, the world must urgently take measures to minimize the risks of Ukraine's nuclear security..

According to the report of the American Institute for the Study of War (ISW) dated August 18, the Russian Federation is preparing a provocation at the ZNPP and wants to blame Ukraine for it..