Ukraine urges immediate halt to fighting near nuclear sites at UN
Photo: Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (Getty Images)
At a UN event, Ukraine called for an immediate cessation of hostilities near nuclear facilities amid the risk of a nuclear disaster caused by Russia’s war, says Deputy Foreign Minister of Ukraine Oleksandr Mishchenko during the event at UN headquarters.
At the event dedicated to nuclear safety and the 40th anniversary of the Chornobyl disaster, Mishchenko stated that Russia’s war against Ukraine poses unprecedented challenges to nuclear safety.
In particular, he refers to incidents in the vicinity of the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant, as well as ongoing threats to the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant.
The Deputy Minister recalls that a Russian drone deliberately struck the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant, damaging the new safe confinement.
"All military actions near nuclear facilities must be immediately halted. Any damage to such facilities could undo decades of international efforts in the field of nuclear safety," he emphasizes.
The Ukrainian representative at this UN event also emphasizes that radiation risks know no borders, and the consequences of potential accidents are a shared responsibility of the international community.
Mishchenko emphasizes that the Chornobyl disaster served as the foundation for the creation of key international mechanisms in the field of nuclear safety. This includes, in particular, the early warning system for accidents and enhanced cooperation with the IAEA.
He also highlights the role of the UN and international partners in addressing the consequences of the disaster. This includes monitoring the radiation situation, providing medical and scientific assistance to the affected regions, as well as long-term recovery programs.
At the same time, the Deputy Minister emphasizes that the Russian leadership is trying to force Ukraine to surrender, but this will not happen thanks to the Ukrainian army, the resilience of society, and international support.
On April 26, the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant experienced its 15th blackout since the Russian occupation began in 2022. Due to the disconnection of the Ferosplavna-1 power line, the plant operated on 19 backup diesel generators for nearly an hour and a half.
The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant has been under Russian occupation since March 2022. At that time, along with the plant, nuclear fuel and technology from the American company Westinghouse fell under Russian control.
