Zelenskyy calls for global action to recover Zaporizhzhya nuclear plant from Russian control

On the 38th anniversary of the Chernobyl disaster, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged the international community to pressure Russia to return control of the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) to Ukraine.

"Radiation knows no borders or national flags," Zelenskyy stated.

He reflected on the Chernobyl disaster, noting, "The Chernobyl incident showed us how quickly deadly threats can arise. Tens of thousands combated the disaster at great personal cost, working through 1986 and beyond to mitigate its horrific effects."

The Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant was under occupation for 35 days, during which Russian soldiers looted laboratories, captured guards, and abused personnel; used the station to launch further military actions, Zelenskyy said.

"For 785 days now, Russian terrorists have held hostage the Zaporizhzhya NPP," he said.

"It is the entire world's responsibility to put pressure on Russia to ensure that ZNPP is liberated and returned to full Ukrainian control, as well as that all Ukrainian nuclear facilities are protected from Russian strikes."

This is the only way to prevent new radiation disasters, Zelenskyy said.

Read also: Russia playing a ‘very dangerous game’ after drone incident at Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant — US

"We honor the sacrifice of those who saved lives in 1986. We are grateful to everyone currently aiding in lifesaving efforts," he added.

The Chornobyl disaster occurred on the night of April 26, 1986, and was caused by two thermal explosions and subsequent destruction of the fourth power unit of the Chornobyl NPP located in Kyiv Oblast.

Zaporizhzhya NPP drone attack

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed that a drone exploded at the Zaporizhzhya NPP on April 7. IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi reported that the plant sustained at least three direct hits to its main protective shield.

Read also: ZNPP units in cold shutdown; radiation levels unchanged, Russian-appointed ‘management’ claims

Before the actual attack took place, Russian propaganda media had already claimed that the ZNPP was allegedly attacked by a drone. They showed photos of drone debris and stated there was no threat to the station. Ukraine was traditionally blamed for the attack.

Russian claims of a Ukrainian drone striking the Zaporizhzhya NPP are nothing more than propaganda, Ukrainian nuclear operator Energoatom said on April 9.

Greenpeace reports that during the Russian attack on the Zaporizhzhya NPP, drones were likely launched from the temporarily occupied territory of Ukraine.

The Zaporizhzhya NPP is the largest nuclear power plant in Europe. Since March 2022, it has been under Russian occupation.

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine