Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Russia of nuclear terrorism, warning that attacks on Europe's largest nuclear power plant could trigger a disaster worse than Chernobyl. In his nightly address, Zelensky highlighted that the Zaporizhzhia plant has six reactors, compared to Chernobyl's single reactor that exploded in 1986.
Both Russia and Ukraine have blamed each other for recent strikes on the Zaporizhzhia plant, which has been under Russian occupation since early in the invasion. Kyiv has called for the area to be demilitarised, reporting that two employees were wounded in the attacks. Zelensky demanded new sanctions against Russia's nuclear industry for creating a threat of nuclear catastrophe.
On Russian state-controlled TV, pro-Kremlin activist Yury Kot suggested that if the Zaporizhzhia plant were damaged, Russia should launch nuclear missiles at London and Washington. This was challenged by another contributor who noted such a move would trigger mutually assured destruction.
The Kremlin accused Ukrainian forces of firing on the plant, warning of 'catastrophic consequences'. Meanwhile, the Moscow-installed head of the Zaporizhzhia region announced plans for a referendum on joining Russia, echoing the 2014 annexation of Crimea.
The International Atomic Energy Agency has warned of 'the very real risk of a nuclear disaster'. Ukraine's nuclear energy company claimed Russia has deployed around 500 troops and heavy military equipment at the plant, using it as military cover. Prime Minister Denys Shmygal urged the world to unite to prevent a catastrophe.
