Russian attack on Zaporizhzhia NPP would ‘breach NATO’s Article 5,’ UK and US lawmakers say

“Any deliberate damage causing potential radiation leak to a Ukrainian nuclear reactor would be a breach of NATO’s Article 5,” said Ellwood.

Ellwood’s sentiment was echoed by U.S. Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-IL).

“This really isn’t even up for debate; any leak will kill people in NATO countries, that’s an automatic article 5,” Kinzinger said on Aug. 20.

NATO’s Article 5 is the collective defense clause, which states that an attack on one alliance member is considered an attack against all allies.

Read also: Russia preparing false flag operation at Zaporizhzhia NPP, ISW report says

The Zaporizhzhia NPP is the largest nuclear power plant in Europe, and has been occupied by Russian forces since March 4. Several ZNPP facilities have been damaged by Russian shelling, and the station's employees are captives of the occupying troops.

The Kremlin uses the facility as cover for its forces, as Ukraine can’t return fire due to the risk of causing a nuclear disaster.

Recently-emerged footage showed numerous Russian military vehicles parked inside the main turbine hall of the facility, some 150 meters away from the nearest reactor.

Read also: Russia threatens to stop the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant

Ukrainian nuclear operator Enerhoatom warned on Aug. 19 that Russia is planning to disconnect the facility from Ukraine’s power grid, which would put the reactor cooling system offline.

Read also: Russia rules out demilitarized zone around Zaporizhzhia NPP

Kyiv is in talks with the IAEA about mounting a monitoring mission to stabilize the situation at the ZNPP, potentially headed by Rafael Grossi, the agency’s chair. The UN said it would also participate.

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine