Ukraine has called on the UN to halt fighting near nuclear facilities
Oleksandr Mishchenko made this statement during an event at UN headquarters dedicated to nuclear safety and the 40th anniversary of the Chernobyl disaster, according to “Ukrinform”.
Ukraine’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Oleksandr Mishchenko emphasised the need to immediately cease military operations near nuclear facilities.
According to him, such actions pose risks of a nuclear disaster amid Russia’s war against Ukraine.
Mishchenko stated that Russia’s criminal war against Ukraine poses unprecedented challenges to nuclear safety. This refers, in particular, to incidents in the vicinity of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant and threats to the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant.
The official recalled the targeted strike by a Russian drone on the Chernobyl NPP. As a result of this attack, the new safe confinement was damaged.
“All military operations near nuclear facilities must be stopped immediately. Any damage to such facilities could undo decades of international efforts in the field of nuclear safety,” Mishchenko stated.
The Deputy Foreign Minister emphasised that radiation risks know no borders. According to him, the consequences of potential accidents are the shared responsibility of the international community.
Mishchenko noted that it was the Chernobyl disaster that served as the basis for the creation of key international mechanisms in the field of nuclear safety.
These include, in particular, the early accident notification system and enhanced cooperation with the IAEA.
He also highlighted the role of the UN and international partners in overcoming the consequences of the Chernobyl disaster.
According to the official, international assistance was vital for monitoring radiation levels, providing medical and scientific support to the affected regions, and ensuring long-term recovery.
Mishchenko stressed that Putin’s regime is seeking Ukraine’s capitulation, but Ukraine will never agree to this thanks to the Ukrainian army, the strength of the people and international solidarity.
Since the start of the full-scale invasion, the Russians have attacked substations critical to nuclear safety in Ukraine 155 times.
On Sunday, 26 April, Ukraine signed an agreement with the EBRD for €30 million for the first phase of the restoration of the protective structure at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant.
On the eve of the 40th anniversary of the Chernobyl disaster, EU Foreign Affairs Chief Kaja Kallas and the European Commission called on Russia to immediately cease all attacks on nuclear facilities in Ukraine.
As reported by ThePublic, exactly 40 years ago an explosion occurred at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant. Volodymyr Zelenskyy paid tribute to the liquidators and emphasised: today, Russia’s actions are once again bringing the world to the brink of a nuclear disaster.
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