Russian President Vladimir Putin on October 5 gave the order for his government to take over management of the largest nuclear power plant in Europe, which is located in the Russian-annexed region of Zaporizhzhia in southern Ukraine, as part of his ongoing efforts to autonomously run the annexed Ukrainian regions. The Russian forces have held the power plant, which is close to the combat lines, since March.
Only 200 kilometers separate the Donbas region, the scene of severe fighting between the two forces, and the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power facility, which is situated on the banks of the Dnieper River. Being one of the four nuclear power plants still in operation in the nation, it produces over 40% of the electricity produced by all Ukrainian NPPs and a fifth of the nation’s yearly electrical output. It has been in operation since 1984.
There was a perilous period in the conflict surrounding the nuclear power plant when the nuclear plant was damaged by shelling for which Russia and Ukraine each laid claim to responsibility.
Although there was only minor damage to the nuclear complex’s buildings, it was reported. There has been no leakage, as evidenced by the stable radiation levels in the area.
The Energy Intelligence Forum in London was also alerted on October 5 by the UN nuclear inspector, IAEA, that the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant’s electrical supply is precarious.
The Russian directive coincides with Dmitry Peskov, a spokesman for the Kremlin, saying that the annexed territories are now a part of Russia and won’t be restored to Ukraine. He also vowed to retake the areas that Russia had recently lost to Ukraine.
News Mania Desk
