The Russian occupation of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine has led to the transformation of the facility into a military base, with Russian military personnel now outnumbering the plant’s staff by a significant margin. The presence of Russian soldiers making critical decisions on-site, along with the establishment of a fake operational organization based on Rosatom, the Russian state-owned nuclear energy monopoly, has raised concerns about the safety and security of the plant.
The increased number of Russian troops, which has now exceeded 2,500, and the restrictions imposed on the plant’s personnel, including the prohibition of mobile phones and other communication devices, further indicate the militarization of the site. The ongoing involvement of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and its efforts to create a security zone around the plant demonstrate international concerns about the situation and the potential risks associated with the militarization of a nuclear facility what could be identified as a war crime.
The transformation of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant into a military base not only poses a threat to Ukraine but also raises broader concerns about the safety and security of nuclear facilities in the region and the potential for a major nuclear accident with far-reaching consequences. Moreover, NPP have to be under protection of international convention and hostage -status to the Russian military presence underscores the gravity of the situation and the urgent need for international attention and action to address this critical issue.
Guests:
- Valeriy Chaly, Chairman of the UCMC Board, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine
- Yuriy Kostenko, Minister of Environmental Protection and Nuclear Safety of Ukraine (1995-1998), Member of the Commission on Nuclear Policy and Environmental Safety under the President of Ukraine (1997-2000)
- Olha Kosharna, Nuclear Power Expert
UKRAINE IN FLAMES project is created by Ukraine Crisis Media Center and NGO “Euroatlantic Course”. We are aiming at searching a loud support for Ukraine in the war started by Russia on the 24th of February 2022.
If you want to support Ukraine against Russian aggression, check the link with recommendations by Ukraine Crisis Media Center – https://uacrisis.org/en/help-ukraine.
NGO Euroatlantic Course collects donations to support Ukrainian Army and civilians – https://eac.org.ua/en/main-page/.
How you can help Ukraine against Russian aggression:
Come back alive – https://bit.ly/3Ct6O2L (works directly with the command and personnel of military units, purchasing infrared thermal imaging cameras, night vision goggles, hemostatics etc);
UNITED 24 – https://bit.ly/3M2mXiT (launched by the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy as the main venue for collecting charitable donations in support of Ukraine. Funds will be transferred to the official accounts of the National Bank of Ukraine and allocated by assigned ministries to cover the most pressing needs)
Army SOS – https://bit.ly/3UYK168 (manages purchases of necessary ammunition, shields, intercommunication and reconnaissance facilities, etc. and delivers all goods directly);
Vostok SOS – https://bit.ly/3Ruut75 (raising funds for various needs of the army).
