Kyiv: The infamous Chernobyl power plant, the site of one of the world’s worst nuclear accidents, has been captured by the Russian troops, an adviser to the Ukrainian presidential office, Mykhailo Podolyak said to reporters. 

"It is impossible to say the Chernobyl nuclear power plant is safe after a totally pointless attack by the Russians," Podolyak  told Reuters. 

Chernobyl was the site of the world's worst nuclear disaster in 1986. The plant is located approximately 60 miles (97 km) north of the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv. 

Podolyak said the status of the plant and storage facilities is “unknown." White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said the US was "outraged by credible reports" of hostages being held at the facility.

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had yesterday tweeted that Russian occupation forces are trying to seize the nuclear plant. He had intimated about the Russian forces' movement towards Chernobyl. 

"Russian occupation forces are trying to seize the #Chornobyl_NPP. Our defenders are giving their lives so that the tragedy of 1986 will not be repeated. Reported this to @SwedishPM. This is a declaration of war against the whole of Europe". 

Russian occupation forces are trying to seize the #Chornobyl_NPP. Our defenders are giving their lives so that the tragedy of 1986 will not be repeated. Reported this to @SwedishPM. This is a declaration of war against the whole of Europe.

— Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) February 24, 2022

If one still has any doubts as to whether Russian Forces seized the #Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant #Chornobyl_NPP late this afternoon, I hope this helps to change your mind. #OSINT #RussiaUkraineConflict #Ukraine pic.twitter.com/Z2CVUBWNe5

— Forrest Rogers (@Forrest_Rogers) February 24, 2022