During a recent United Nations event focused on nuclear safety and the 40th anniversary of the Chernobyl disaster, Ukraine called for an immediate halt to military actions near nuclear facilities, citing the heightened risk of a nuclear catastrophe due to the ongoing conflict with Russia.
Ukrainian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mykola Mishchenko, emphasized that the Russian invasion poses unprecedented challenges to nuclear safety, particularly highlighting incidents at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant and ongoing threats to the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant.
Mishchenko recalled a specific incident where a Russian drone deliberately struck the Chernobyl site, damaging the new safe confinement structure. He stated, “All military activities near nuclear facilities must cease immediately. Any damage to such sites could undo decades of international efforts in nuclear safety.”
At the UN event, he also pointed out that radiation risks transcend borders, making the consequences of potential accidents a shared responsibility for the global community.
The Deputy Minister noted that the Chernobyl disaster laid the groundwork for key international nuclear safety mechanisms, including early warning systems for accidents and enhanced cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
He acknowledged the role of the UN and international partners in addressing the aftermath of the disaster, which includes monitoring radiation levels, providing medical and scientific assistance to affected regions, and implementing long-term recovery programs.
Despite the ongoing conflict, Mishchenko asserted that the Russian leadership’s attempts to force Ukraine into submission would not succeed, thanks to the resilience of the Ukrainian armed forces, the determination of its society, and the support from international allies.
Ukraine has called for an immediate ceasefire near nuclear facilities, warning of the catastrophic risks posed by ongoing military actions. The Deputy Minister highlighted the need for international cooperation in nuclear safety, particularly in light of recent incidents at Chernobyl and Zaporizhzhia.