Ukraine’s interior minister said on Thursday that the country must be prepared for any scenario at the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, including evacuations.
Ukraine and Russia-installed local officials blamed each other for a new round of shelling on Thursday at Europe’s largest nuclear power plant in southern Ukraine.
After invading Ukraine on February 24, Russia seized Europe’s largest nuclear power plant in March. The plant is still being operated by Ukrainian technicians, and Ukraine’s Energoatom reported five strikes on Thursday, including one near the site where radioactive materials are stored.
“As of today, the plant is not only in the hands of the enemy, but of uneducated specialists who could potentially allow a tragedy to occur,” Interior Minister Denys Monastyrsky told Reuters in an interview.
“Of course, it’s difficult to imagine the magnitude of the tragedy that could occur if Russians continue their actions there,” he said.
Ukraine has recently issued a warning about the possibility of a Chornobyl-style nuclear disaster.
“This means that we must be prepared for any scenario. The state emergency services, in collaboration with the Interior Ministry and the Regions Ministry, are debating various scenarios, including the issue of evacuations “Mr. Monastyrsky stated.
The United Nations Secretary-General calls for a demilitarised zone.
On Thursday, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for an end to military activity near the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power complex. He urged the withdrawal of military personnel and equipment, as well as the deployment of no additional forces or equipment. He urged Russia and Ukraine not to attack the facilities or the surrounding area.
“The facility may not be used in any military operation.” Instead, “urgent technical agreement on a safe perimeter of demilitarisation is required to ensure the safety of the area,” Mr. Guterres said in a statement.
A State Department spokesperson said on Thursday that the US also supports calls for a demilitarised zone around Zaporizhzhia.
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