EUROPE'S biggest nuclear power plant was disconnected from the power grid for the first time ever amid fears of a Chernobyl-style disaster, Ukraine's state energy firm said.

Nuclear agency Energoatom said fire damage to overhead power lines caused the last two reactors at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) to be cut off.

It comes amid looming fears the site could be the scene of a devastating nuclear disaster as both Ukraine and Russia accuse each other of putting the plant at risk.

6

A Russian soldier guards the ZNPP after it was occupied by Putin's forcesCredit: AP

6

This satellite image provided by Maxar Technologies shows the six reactors at ZNPPCredit: AP

6

Satellite photos released by the British Ministry of Defence show Russian forces near the ZNPPCredit: MoD