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Ukraine Condemns Russia’s Use of Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant as Military Shield, Warns of Nuclear Disaster
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![Photo of Cyril Barabaltchouk]( "Photo of Cyril Barabaltchouk")
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Ukraine has condemned Russia’s use of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) as a military shield following an incident confirmed by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). On August 6, IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi reported that Russian artillery fired multiple salvos near the facility, targeting the spent nuclear fuel storage, comment by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of Ukraine stated.
The shelling lasted more than an hour, raising serious concerns about the safety of the plant and the wider region.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine expressed its outrage, highlighting that Russia’s actions are part of a deliberate strategy to use the ZNPP for military purposes while making it impossible for Ukraine to retaliate.
"The Russian Federation’s actions jeopardize not only Ukraine's security but also risk a continental-scale nuclear disaster,” the MFA stated.
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Since Russia’s occupation of the Zaporizhzhia NPP in 2022, the plant has become a focal point in Russia's efforts to destabilize Ukraine. The MFA noted that the plant's operational stability is already threatened by damage to power lines, leaving it reliant on a single backup line.
“Any incident at Zaporizhzhia brings us closer to the brink of disaster,” the statement continued.
Ukraine has called for immediate international action to demilitarize the Zaporizhzhia NPP and return it to the control of Energoatom, Ukraine's legitimate nuclear operator.
“Russia’s use of a nuclear facility for military operations constitutes nuclear terrorism and a violation of international law,” said the MFA.
The ministry also expressed gratitude to the IAEA for its continued monitoring and reporting, which provides vital evidence of the risks Ukraine faces daily.
The Ukrainian government is urging the international community to increase pressure on Russia, demanding accountability for its actions and greater support for Ukraine’s defense.
“The time to act is now,” the MFA concluded, emphasizing the urgent need for a global response to the growing nuclear threat posed by Russia’s occupation of the Zaporizhzhia NPP.
Earlier, it was reported that any attempts to restart the reactors at the ZNPP are only possible after the facility is returned to Ukraine’s control, 48 IAEA member states emphasized in a joint statement.
