Zaporizhzhia, the largest nuclear power plant in Europe

In southern Ukraine, the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant is the largest in Europe. This nuclear facility is located in the center of fighting between Russian and Ukrainian troops, and the international community is worried regarding a nuclear disaster.

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Where is Zaporzhizhia located?

The nuclear power plant is located in the city of Enerhodar, in the province of Zaporizhzhia. More specifically, it lies east of the Dnipro River, next to the Donetsk region, and along the Ukrainian shore which, according to some hypotheses, might serve as a corridor to connect Russian territory with the Crimean peninsula.

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A strategic point

It is therefore not surprising that when Russia invaded Ukraine in February, the province of Zaporizhzhia was quickly occupied.

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Under new management

The BBC reports that Russian forces took control of the nuclear power plant in early March. Ukrainian technicians are described as working “under gunpoint” by invading troops.

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Taken hostage

Nuclear power plant workers interviewed by the BBC say they work under constant stress, with limited communication and constant surveillance. They describe themselves as “hostages” of Russian soldiers.

Pictured: Civilians evacuated from Enerhodar, some of whom are workers at the nuclear power plant.

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The central is used as a “shield”

However, fighting continues around the nuclear facility. According to CNN, Ukraine has accused Moscow of using the plant as “a shield” to stockpile troops and weapons and launch attacks without being able to retaliate for fear of hitting one of Zaporizhzhia’s six reactors.

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Moscow’s accusations

Moscow, on the other hand, accused Ukraine of bombing the nuclear facility, disregarding security measures.

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On the brink of nuclear disaster

The international community is increasingly concerned that any failure on either side might lead to a nuclear catastrophe that would affect the whole of Europe, if not the whole world.

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Memories of Chernobyl

After all, the memory of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster in 1986 is still present, especially in Ukraine.

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Zone d’exclusion

At the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, many feared that troops arriving from the north towards kyiv would disrupt the exclusion zone that surrounds the remains of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant.

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A worrying situation

The UN Atomic Energy Agency, headed by Rafael Grossi (pictured), warned it was “extremely concerned” regarding the situation in Zaporizhzhia.

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Missile strikes were reported

According to the BBC, there are reports of missile strikes that have affected the operation of power-generating units and a risk of radioactive leakage. However, these claims might not be verified.

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Very disturbing incidents

“Unfortunately, instead of a de-escalation, there have been reports in recent days of new and deeply worrying incidents which might, if continued, lead to a catastrophe,” UN Secretary-General António Guterres said in a statement. communicated.

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Shoigu wants to reassure the United Nations

On August 15, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu spoke with Antonio Guterres, and assured him of the safe operation of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.

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Zelensky alerts the population

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has asked his fellow citizens living in the occupied areas not to approach Russian military installations.

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“Be very careful”

“I now ask all our fellow citizens in Crimea, in other parts of southern Ukraine, in the occupied areas of Donbas and in the Kharkiv region to be very careful,” Zelensky said during an interview. a speech quoted by CNBC.

Read also: Vladimir Putin’s escape plan

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