Ukraine Warns Against Russian Firing On Nuke Plant

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba warned against Russian troops firing at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, which is the largest in Europe, stating that if it blows up then the catastrophe would be “10 times larger” than the 1986 Chernobyl disaster.

According to the reports, in a tweet, the Minister quoted- “Russian army is firing from all sides upon Zaporizhzhia NPP, the largest nuclear power plant in Europe. Fire has already broken out. If it blows up, it will be 10 times larger than Chernobyl! Russians must immediately cease fire, allow firefighters, establish a security zone.”

Citing Ukrainian officials, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) stated that there has not been any change in the radiation levels at the plant site in the wake of the fire. The IAEA also said that the fire has not affected “essential” equipment and personnel at the nuclear power plane were “taking mitigatory actions”.

The global nuclear organisation further said that it is consulting with Ukraine “and others with a view to providing maximum possible assistance to the country as it seeks to maintain nuclear safety and security in the current difficult circumstances”.

But in the wake of the “serious situation” at the plant, IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi has warned Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmygal and the country’s nuclear regulator and operator of the severe danger if the reactors were hit by the ongoing Russian firing.

Ukraine currently has four active nuclear plants, including Zaporizhzhia which reportedly accounts for some 25 per cent of the country’s power.