USA, UNGA, Sept 25 (Alliance News) – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that Russia is planning to attack Ukrainian nuclear power plants and disconnect them from the energy grid, risking a potential nuclear disaster.
Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, Zelensky stressed that “radiation does not respect state borders” and that these actions are part of Russia’s broader efforts to demoralize the Ukrainian population.
Zelensky explained that, unable to defeat Ukraine on the battlefield, Russian President Vladimir Putin is “looking for other ways to break the Ukrainian spirit.”
Russia’s strategy for a third consecutive winter is to intensify strikes on Ukraine’s energy grid, aiming to plunge the country into darkness and cold.
In his speech, Zelensky recalled the fears sparked early in the war by Russian attacks on the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP), Europe’s largest, which raised concerns about a potential Chernobyl-style disaster.
While the ZNPP remains at risk, experts have noted that the reactors are in “cold shutdown,” reducing the likelihood of a large-scale incident.
However, damage could still spread radiation, increasing the long-term risk of cancer in affected areas.
Beyond nuclear threats, Zelensky highlighted that Russia’s ongoing attacks have crippled much of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, disabling 80% of the country’s energy system, including thermal power plants and hydroelectric capacity.
Zelensky’s address came ahead of a crucial meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden, where he is expected to discuss Ukraine’s longstanding request for long-range missiles to strike military targets inside Russia.
Polish Foreign Minister Radek Sikorski supported Ukraine’s request, stating that the victim of aggression has the right to defend itself, even on the territory of the aggressor.
