While the war between Russia and Ukraine continued with all its violence, the spread of the conflicts to the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant, the largest nuclear power plant in Europe, put the whole world on alert. Ukraine and Russia continue to blame each other for the days-long artillery attacks on the Zaporozhye NPP site. Recently, Ukrainian authorities announced that as a result of Russia’s multiple rocket launchers, one of the cooling units of the power plant was damaged and there was a risk of nuclear leakage. The pro-Russian administration, which controls the region, announced that the Ukrainian army carried out artillery fire near the nuclear power plant. Russian President Vladimir Putin, in a phone call with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron, accused Ukraine of attacking the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant, warning of a potential “disaster”. United Nations (UN) Secretary General Antonio Guterres, who went to Ukraine the previous day, called on the parties.
RUSSIA REFUSES TO DISARMAMENT
Guterres’ calls were answered by Ivan Nechayev, Deputy Head of the Information and Press Department of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Stating that they rejected the calls for the disarmament of the power plant, Nechayev said, “Disarming makes the power plant even more vulnerable.” Nechayev stated that Russia expects the representatives of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to visit the facility very soon to examine the situation.
Putin: ATTACKS ON ZAPORIJIA NUCLEAR POWER PLANT CAN LEAD TO A MAJOR DISASTER
“Attacks on the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant could lead to a great disaster,” Russian President Vladimir Putin said in a phone conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron.
Russian President Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron. The main agenda item of the leaders’ meeting was the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The Kremlin Press Service reported that Russian leader Putin mentioned the developments in the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant in his speech to Macron. In the statement, “The situation around Ukraine was discussed from various aspects. Vladimir Putin emphasized that the systematic bombing of the territory of the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant by the Ukrainian army, in particular, entails a large-scale risk of disaster that may cause radiation pollution. He underlined the importance of sending the Energy (IAEA) mission as soon as possible. The Russian side confirmed its readiness to provide the necessary assistance to the inspectors of the institution,” the statement said.
ISTANBUL AGREEMENT CONSIDERED
The Kremlin Press Service stated that Putin and Macron also evaluated the agreement for the delivery of Ukrainian grain to the world market, which was signed in Istanbul, and said, “The President of Russia, signed in Istanbul on July 22, will export Ukrainian grain from the Black Sea ports and with Russian food products. He gave information about the implementation of the ‘package’ agreement for the export of fertilizers to world markets. It is noted that despite the said agreement to contribute to the solution of problems related to ensuring global food security, there are still obstacles in front of Russian exports. The two leaders continue their contacts on the issues raised and other topics They agreed on it,” he said.