President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine has issued a warning to other nations, urging them to take heed of the potential threat of a Russian attack on the occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. The president, accompanied by members of his government, briefed international representatives on the grave possibility of a radiation disaster resulting from such an attack. Zelenskyy called upon other countries to send appropriate signals and exert pressure on Moscow in response to this imminent danger.
Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, Europe’s largest nuclear facility, has been a subject of concern since the Russian invasion of Ukraine last year when Russian forces seized control of the plant. Despite the shutdown of all six reactors to minimize the risk of a meltdown, experts have emphasized the ongoing possibility of a life-threatening release of radiation if the cooling systems fail due to power or water loss.
Efforts to establish a safety perimeter around the plant, led by the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), have faced significant challenges due to the intensifying military situation in the region. The recent Ukrainian counteroffensive in Zaporizhzhia province, where the plant is situated, and the adjacent part of Donetsk province have further escalated tensions.
The Ukrainian government has repeatedly accused Russia of escalating the threat to the nuclear plant, with allegations of mining the cooling system and other provocative actions. In response, IAEA Director-General Rafael Mariano Grossi met with Russian state nuclear corporation Rosatom’s director, Alexey Likachev, to discuss the conditions at the plant. The Russian corporation emphasized the need for specific steps from the U.N. agency to prevent Ukrainian attacks on the plant and its surrounding territory.
Meanwhile, clashes continue between Ukrainian and Russian forces in the region, resulting in casualties and escalating tensions. Russian shelling in Zaporizhzhia province claimed two lives, while in Kherson province, an attack on a transportation company led to three fatalities. Additionally, Russia launched 13 cruise missiles targeting a military airfield in the western Khmelnytskyi province, but Ukrainian air defenses intercepted them all.
President Zelenskyy’s appeal for international action reflects his frustration with countries that have chosen neutrality in the conflict. He condemned those who turn a blind eye to Russia’s occupation of the nuclear power plant, warning that radiation knows no boundaries and can impact anyone worldwide. The president urged the global community to come together and take decisive action to prevent a potential catastrophe.
As tensions continue to escalate, Ukraine remains determined to reclaim its occupied territories and defend against further aggression. Zelenskyy’s plea for international support emphasizes the urgency of the situation and the need for a united front to deter any potential attack on the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant.
Sources By Agencies
