Zelenskyy: Blackout at Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant lasted over three hours, Russia knew the risks
The recent blackout at the former Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) facilities lasted for more than three hours.
Source: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on X (Twitter)
Details: Zelenskyy said this relates to a new shelter that protects the environment from the remnants of the number four reactor unit after the 1986 explosion as well as radioactive debris and dust.
It also concerns the spent nuclear fuel storage facility, which holds 80% of all spent fuel accumulated during the plant's operation. These are spent fuel assemblies with a total weight of more than 3,250 tonnes.
Quote: "The Russians could not have been unaware that striking facilities in Slavutych would have such consequences for Chornobyl. And this was a deliberate strike, involving more than 20 drones – preliminary estimates indicate Russian-Iranian Shaheds. Some of these drones were shot down, but the attack was specifically executed as a wave to complicate the facility's defence."
Details: Zelenskyy noted that the blackout at the Zaporizhzhia NPP, caused by Russian attacks in the area, has been ongoing for eight days. And the Russians are doing nothing to fix the situation or allow Ukrainian specialists to restore external power to the plant.
Quote: "Russia is intentionally creating a risk of radiological incidents, taking advantage, unfortunately, of the weak stance of the IAEA and Director General Rafael Grossi, as well as the dispersed global attention."
"It is crucial that European countries, the United States, and the G7 and G20 nations take real action for peace and security to the fullest extent possible. Strong response and appropriate pressure on Russia are required to protect human life. I am grateful to everyone in the world who refuses to remain silent."
Background:
- The town of Slavutych was left without electricity after Russian forces attacked a power substation.
- A blackout occurred at the Chornobyl NPP due to a power outage in Slavutych following Russian attacks.
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