Zelensky claims Ukraine must control the Zaporozhye nuclear plant for its survival
- The Zaporozhye nuclear power plant, Europe's largest, has been under Russian control since March 2022.
- Zelensky has argued that its operational viability depends on Ukrainian control and restoration efforts.
- Concerns over safety from both military activities and the lack of water for reactor cooling are growing.
In March 2022, the Zaporozhye nuclear power plant in Ukraine fell under Russian control, raising significant concerns due to its status as the largest facility of its kind in Europe. Since its occupation, both Russia and Ukraine have accused each other of aggressive actions towards the plant, leading to rising tensions and fears of a potential disaster. Amidst this backdrop, Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has voiced the opinion that the plant cannot effectively operate unless it is managed by Ukraine. He noted the need for significant monetary investment and specialized expertise to bring the facility back to operational status, which he predicts may take several years. Recently, Zelensky has emphasized the critical issue of water scarcity affecting the plant's reactor cooling system, particularly due to the collapse of the Kakhovka Dam on the Dnieper River. This lack of water poses a serious threat to the plant’s functionality and heightens the risk of potential nuclear incidents. The facility has remained largely non-operational since mid-2023 as attacks from Ukrainian forces have further complicated matters. Despite these risks, the Russian state energy corporation Rosatom, which currently oversees the plant, has expressed its intention to restore operations as soon as security allows. In the Zaporizhzhia region, where the nuclear plant is located, residents have been living under an omnipresent threat of violence and catastrophic events. Many locals are provided with potassium iodide tablets in preparation for possible radiation exposure. Authorities have conducted emergency drills, thus clearly indicating the public's heightened anxiety about the implications of living near a nuclear facility under conflict. These measures, while crucial, stem from the grim reality of the permanent danger imposed by the ongoing occupation of the plant. Ultimately, the situation surrounding the Zaporozhye nuclear plant continues to evolve amid the geopolitical conflict between Ukraine and Russia. The international community, particularly the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), is closely monitoring the plant's status and the associated risks. As discussions about its future take place, Zelensky maintains that the plant's survival is intrinsically linked to Ukraine's control, marking it a pivotal point in both nations' ongoing clash and its implications for European stability.