Europe's largest power plant at risk of nuclear accident, Russian officials say
The head of Rosatom, Russia's state-run atomic energy agency, reportedly said Monday that continued shelling near Europe's largest power plant had raised the probability of a nuclear accident, according to Reuters.
The Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, a Ukrainian facility that has been occupied by invading Russian forces since March, has reportedly been subjected to renewed shelling in recent days. As a result, Rosatom CEO Alexei Likhachev was quoted by Russian news agency Interfax as saying that Zaporizhzhia was "at risk of a nuclear accident," per Reuters. Likhachev added that he had been in negotiations with the International Atomic Energy Agency.
Rosatom has controlled Zaporizhzhia since Russian President Vladimir Putin formally seized the plant in October, and all Ukrainian staff was reportedly removed.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Both Russia and Ukraine have accused each other of the shelling, and the IAEA also weighed in on the possibility of a nuclear disaster at Zaporizhzhia. Rafael Grossi, the head of the commission, said that whoever was attacking the plant was "playing with fire," CNN reported. "Whoever is behind this, it must stop immediately," Grossi added.
While the shelling has reportedly not directly targeted Zaporizhzhia itself, Grossi said in a separate statement, "Even though there was no direct impact on key nuclear safety and security systems at the plant, the shelling came dangerously close to them."
The IAEA has called for a security zone to be placed around the plant, though Likhachev said any such zone would need the approval of the United States.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Justin Klawans has worked as a staff writer at The Week since 2022. He began his career covering local news before joining Newsweek as a breaking news reporter, where he wrote about politics, national and global affairs, business, crime, sports, film, television and other Hollywood news. Justin has also freelanced for outlets including Collider and United Press International.
-
The history of Donald Trump's election conspiracy theories
The Explainer How the 2024 Republican nominee has consistently stoked baseless fears of a stolen election
By David Faris Published
-
Two ancient cities have been discovered along the Silk Road
Under the radar The discovery changed what was known about the old trade route
By Devika Rao, The Week US Published
-
'People shouldn't have to share the road with impaired drivers'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
What happens if Russia declares war on Nato?
Today's Big Question Fears are growing after Vladimir Putin's 'unusually specific warning' to Western governments
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published
-
Are Ukraine's F-16 fighter jets too little too late?
Today's Big Question US-made aircraft are 'significant improvement' on Soviet-era weaponry but long delay and lack of trained pilots could undo advantage against Russia
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Iran at the nuclear crossroads
The Explainer Officials 'openly threatening' to build nuclear bomb, as watchdog finds large increase in enriched uranium stockpile
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Ukraine's stolen children
Under the Radar Officially 20,000 children have been detained since Russia's invasion in 2022, but the true number is likely to be far higher
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
A brief timeline of Russia's war in Ukraine
In Depth How the Kremlin's plan for a quick conquest turned into a quagmire
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
How would we know if World War Three had started?
Today's Big Question With conflicts in Ukraine, Middle East, Africa and Asia-Pacific, the 'spark' that could ignite all-out war 'already exists'
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Why is Ukraine backing far-right militias in Russia?
Today's Big Question The role of the fighters is a 'double-edged sword' for Kyiv, say commentators
By The Week UK Published
-
What does victory now look like for Ukraine?
Today's Big Question Not losing is as important as winning as the tide turns in Russia's favour again
By Elliott Goat, The Week UK Published