Russia Threatens Ukraine and West with Nuclear Power Escalation
The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine has taken a dangerous turn as Greenpeace accuses Russia of posing an unprecedented risk by attempting to restart the reactors at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station. This comes following the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, met with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss nuclear safety and the plant’s role in the Ukraine war.
Shaun Burnie, a nuclear specialist with Greenpeace Germany, emphasized the lack of nuclear regulations worldwide that permit a nuclear plant to operate in an active war zone. The Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, captured by Russian forces in March 2022, has remained on the frontline of the conflict. Situated on the Dnipro River in central Ukraine, the plant faces threats from both sides’ militaries, with Ukrainian forces occupying the opposite bank.
Although initial plans for Russia to connect the reactors to its energy grid were abandoned, recent comments from officials suggest a renewed attempt to restart nuclear energy generation at the plant. Yuriy Chernichuk, the Russian-appointed director of the site, expressed determination for the plant to work at full capacity in the upcoming year. However, Grossi highlighted the challenges that lie ahead, including the status of the active combat zone and the plant’s prolonged shutdown period.
IAEA inspectors are currently present on-site, but Russia’s restrictions
