First Thing: Russia accused of ‘nuclear terror’ after shelling Ukrainian atomic plant

Russian bombardment sparks fire at nuclear plant but radiation is stable. Plus, Trump avoids New York deposition for now

Hello and good morning.

Russia has resorted to nuclear terror" according to Ukraine's president, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, after bombing resulted in fires at Europe's largest nuclear plant.

What's the situation with radiation? The International Atomic Energy Agency said, shortly before 4am Ukraine time, that it had been informed by the Ukrainian nuclear regulator there was no change in radiation levels at the plant.

How did world leaders react? US president, Joe Biden, called Zelenskiy at 3.40am Kyiv time, urging Russia to cease its military activities in the area and allow firefighters and emergency responders to access the site". The UK prime minister, Boris Johnson, called it reckless" and echoed ceasefire calls.

What is Putin thinking? The worst is yet to come", France said on Thursday, after Russia's Vladimir Putin and France's Emmanuel Macron spoke for 90 minutes - as Putin said Kyiv's refusal to accept Russia's conditions" means he will continue to pursue his war in Ukraine.

What about talks? Ukraine and Russia agreed on Thursday to temporary, local ceasefires to allow the evacuation of civilians as well as aid deliveries via safe corridors. Zelenskiy asked Putin for face-to-face talks.