After increased bombardment over the weekend, the president of Russia’s state-run atomic energy agency, Rosatom, cautioned on Monday that there is a chance of a nuclear catastrophe at Europe’s biggest nuclear power station, Zaporizhzhia.
Russians Took Over Power Plant
Since Russian military gained the power of the plant in March, soon after occupying Ukraine, Moscow and Kiev have swapped charges of firing for several months. Sunday’s resumed bombardment reignited concerns of a potential calamity at the facility.
If This Plant Melts Down, Chernobyl Will Look Like Nothing in Comparison
Alexei Likhachev, CEO of Rosatom, was reported by Interfax as saying that there is a chance of a nuclear incident at the facility. The entire night was spent in discussions with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
In October, President Vladimir Putin instructed Russia to physically take the facility and shift Ukrainian personnel to a Russian firm. Since then, Rosatom has managed the site through a partner. According to Kiev, the handover of assets constitutes stealing.
The IAEA has demanded the formation of a protected zone encircling the facility, but Likhachev stated that this would be impossible without U.S. approval.
Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, which is under Russian control, was rocked by shelling on Sunday, drawing condemnation from the U.N. nuclear watchdog which said such attacks risked a major disaster. Here is what we know about the incident https://t.co/86zq2qBsgT
— Reuters (@Reuters) November 21, 2022
This Is a Red Alert Situation!
Interfax cited him as stating, that the range from Washington to Zaporizhzhia should not serve as a reason for the United States to procrastinate on a judgment about a protected zone.
The chairman of Rosatom further stated that it seemed Kyiv would allow a minor nuclear disaster at the nuclear power plant.
He was cited by TASS as saying that this will be a decision that alters the path of world history. Consequently, everything ought to be carried out to ensure that no one considers violating the nuclear power plant’s security.
A reactor meltdown at the facility or a blaze involving spent nuclear material might emit a cloud of radioactive particles into the atmosphere, which could sweep across a wide portion of Europe.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said to press that the bombardment causes anxiety, he requests that all nations use their weight to prevent the Ukrainian military services from acting in this manner.
ZAPORIZHZHIA NUCLEAR PLANT/11 OCT/ Valeriy Martynyuk, deputy head of nuclear operations, was arrested by Russian forces on Monday and is currently being detained in an unknown location. The incident follows the detention of the plant’s chief, Ihor Murashov, on Oct. 1. pic.twitter.com/sz7fQ8uDJ7
— Chuck Pfarrer | Indications & Warnings | (@ChuckPfarrer) October 12, 2022
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) observed destruction to a radioactive waste holding structure, cooling pond sprinkler structures, an electrical line to a reactor, condensate storage units, and a bridge connecting another reactor with its auxiliary facilities.
According to the IAEA, auxiliary power sources were unaffected and radioactivity readings at the facility were regular.
Dozens of Attacks Threaten Entire Continent
According to the Russian defense ministry, Ukraine’s armed forces launched eleven heavy-caliber shells at the facility on Saturday and twelve on Sunday morning, followed by two additional shells targeting electric lines.
According to Energoatom, the Russian military bombarded the nuclear power station. Sunday saw at least 12 attacks on the plant, according to the report.
Director General of the IAEA Rafael Grossi has advocated the creation of a nuclear protection and safety protective zone surrounding the power plant.
