Forest fires erupt around Chernobyl nuclear plant in Ukraine

Ukrainian authorities say Russian control of plant is hampering efforts to control the blazes

Forest fires have erupted in the vicinity of the Chernobyl nuclear reactor, with Ukraine claiming that Russian control of the abandoned power plant is hampering efforts to control the flames.

At least seven fires have been spotted within Chernobyl's exclusion zone via satellite imagery taken by the European Space Agency, according to a statement by Ukraine's parliament.