Risk and Tensions Surrounding Zaporizhia Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine – Latest Updates and Preparation for Disasters

2023-07-07 06:42:42

By Euronews with AP/DPA/AFP • Last updated: 07/07/2023 – 08:41

According to Ukrainian intelligence, the risk of an attack on the nuclear power plant has fallen. Supposedly following a conversation between Putin and Xi Jinping, as Western media claim. The people of Zaporizhia are still afraid.

The tensions surrounding the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine, which is occupied by Moscow, are not abating, nor is the fear of a nuclear catastrophe.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has long warned of the consequences of an escalation. IAEA chief Rafael Grossi therefore pushed for the establishment of a nuclear safety and protection zone around the nuclear power plant in his contacts with Moscow and Kiev.

For almost a year, several IAEA experts have been stationed in Zaporizhia to independently assess the security situation. One tries to be as visible and effective as possible on site to prevent a nuclear accident, says Grossi.

explosives on the roof

Meanwhile, Moscow and Kiev accuse each other of preparing an attack on the nuclear power plant in southern Ukraine.

The Ukrainian General Staff wrote in its daily situation report regarding alleged explosive devices on the roof of the nuclear power plant. In contrast, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov claimed in Moscow that the danger of “sabotage by the Kiev regime” was great. Both sides warn of a catastrophe.

Amid the mutual accusations, life around the nuclear power plant goes on. The fear of a nuclear catastrophe remains.

“We don’t know what these people are capable of”

Police officer Valery Golovan confirms: “We believe that anything is possible. We shouldn’t be kidding. We don’t know what these people who have invaded our country are capable of. They might have anything in their head. So yes, we do believe the threat is real.”

After the destruction of the Kachowka Dam, Natalia Fedosh was forced to leave the city of Enerhodar on the left bank of the reservoir. “If they blow up the nuclear power plant, Russia would be affected, at least half of Russia and half of Europe. Chernobyl is nothing compared to our nuclear power plant.”

Prepared for disaster

Oleksiy Arnautov works for disaster control in the region and says they are prepared for a disaster. “In the event of an emergency, we will activate the appropriate response plans that have already been prepared and tested. We practiced them once more just last week. The units on duty will be involved in the decontamination of people and equipment leaving the attempted area.”

According to the Ukrainian secret service, the risk of an attack on the power plant has decreased. According to Western media reports, a conversation between Vladimir Putin and the Chinese head of state and party, Xi Jinping, is said to have caused this.

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