UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres waves as he leaves a news conference at Japan National Press Club in Tokyo, Japan August 8, 2022. (Photo: REUTERS)

Russia seized Europe's largest nuclear power plant in March after launching a military operation in Ukraine on Feb. 24. The plant is still run by its Ukrainian technicians.

Ukraine said the area was struck five times on Thursday, including near the site where radioactive materials are stored. 

Russia’s defence ministry said in a statement that the Ukrainian shelling had partly damaged a thermal power plant and splash pools that form part of the reactors’ cooling systems.

Guterres urged the withdrawal of military personnel and equipment and for no more forces or equipment to be deployed. He called for Russia and Ukraine not to target the facilities or surrounding area.

The United States said it backs the call for a demilitarized zone around the plant.