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Ukraine war: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy calls for demilitarisation of nuclear plant to avert ‘catastrophe’ | World News


Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called on the global nuclear watchdog to force Russia to demilitarize the Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant – and return control to Ukraine.

Officials from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) visited the facility last week and warned that there was an “urgent need” for temporary measures to prevent nuclear incidents at the plant. .

It called for the establishment of a nuclear safety and security protection zone around the facility, after expressing concern about physical damage to the plant caused by shelling.

And in his nightly address to his nation on Tuesday, President Zelenskyy said that because Russia had “put the world on the brink of a radioactive catastrophe” the “whole world” would take “appropriate measures” to ensure Russia “will be forced to put an end to terrorism”.

He continued: “I believe that the world not only deserves but also needs IAEA representatives to force Russia to demilitarize the territory of the ZNPP (Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant) and return full control to the country. Ukraine.”

The IAEA team says they have witnessed first-hand damage to the pavement, walls and windows of the plant’s various buildings, as well as the flyover connecting the reactor units.

IAEA Director Rafael Grossi explains what his inspection team is monitoring at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant
Picture:
IAEA Director Rafael Grossi explains what his inspection team saw

Their report said shelling could cause “significant safety impacts, loss of life and personal injury”.

It warned the situation was a “permanent threat to nuclear safety and security” as critical safety functions could be affected.

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The shelling around the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant has caused global outrage

António Guterres, UN The secretary-general, outspoken, is “very concerned” about the situation, saying it could cause a “catastrophe”.

“Let’s put it like this: Any damage, intentional or not, to Europe’s largest nuclear power plant in Zaporizhzhia or any other nuclear facility in Ukraine could be catastrophic. , not just for the neighborhood, but for the area and beyond.

“All steps must be taken to avoid such a scenario.”

Radiation levels in the area are currently at normal levels.

Russia has occupied the plant for months and is accused of storing military equipment inside the facility.

Both Russia and Ukraine have also blamed shelling that damaged the plant in recent weeks.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy
Picture:
Volodymyr Zelenskyy

President Zelenskyy previously spoke with the new British Prime Minister Liz Truss.

In her first phone conversation with a foreign leader, she accepted an invitation to visit Ukraine and reiterated her support for the country in its war with Russia.

The UK is one of Ukraine’s strongest international backers, sending almost 7,000 anti-tank weapons, hundreds of missiles and armored fighting vehicles. It is also training Ukrainian soldiers.

According to the official announcement of the call, Ms Truss said she “looks forward to working with the President in the coming weeks and months”, and thanked the UK for its “major economic and defense aid”. while reiterating “this is very important. that the UK is ready to step up further”.

‘Europe is not a place for killers’

The Ukrainian president also used his address to urge Europe to stop issuing visas to Russian citizens.

Regarding the poisoning of Novichok by a Russian double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter in Salisbury in 2018, he reminded that “more than once, Russia has sent killers to Europe under the guise of ordinary tourists.

“They’ve seen enough fires in Salisbury, the streets of Germany, and the armory in the Czech Republic. Enough! Europe is not a place for murderers to roam.”



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