Russian shelling had caused a fire at a building in the Zaporizhzhia plant complex that was later put out
The Russian troops today, i.e., Friday, March 4, 2022, have captured Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Southeastern Ukraine, which is the largest facility in the Europe.
Russian shelling had caused a fire at a building in the plant complex that was later put out. The plant is located in the steppe on the Dnieper River, some 550 kms (342 miles) Southeast of Kyiv and about 525 kms (325 miles) south of Chernobyl. It has a total capacity of about 6,000 Megawatts (MWs), enough to power about 4 million homes.
Prior to this on Wednesday, March 2, 2022, residents carrying Ukrainian flags had blocked the road to the plant, in an apparent standoff with Russian forces. But today Russian troops were able to capture the plant.
The Ukraine Regulatory Authority also said the fire at the site had not affected “essential” equipment and personnel were taking mitigatory actions. There were also no reports of change in radiation levels at the plant.
The reactors at the Zaporizhzhia plant operate on fuel enriched with fissile isotope uranium-235. They work by the core heating steam, but unlike other reactors, the nuclear-contaminated steam is not used to generate energy. Instead, it is used to power another uncontaminated steam circuit which then turns the turbines.
The President of Ukraine – Volodymyr Zelensky accused the Russian troops of committing a terror attack by intentionally firing at the power plant, potentially risking the lives of millions.
Speaking on the attack, Zelensky said, “There are 15 nuclear reactors in Ukraine. If one of them blows, that’s the end for everyone, that’s the end of Europe. All of Europe will have to evacuate.”
Besides, the President of United States (U.S.) – Joe Biden urged Russia to cease its military activities in the area and allow firefighters and emergency responders to access the site. The Prime Minister of United Kingdom (U.K.) – Boris Johnson also condemned the attack. Speaking to Zelensky he said that ceasefire is crucial.
Taking it to twitter, Johnson tweeted,
I've just spoken to President @ZelenskyyUa about the gravely concerning situation at Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station.
— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) March 4, 2022
Russia must immediately cease its attack on the power station and allow unfettered access for emergency services to the plant.
The Member States of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) passed a resolution calling on Russia to cease actions against nuclear facilities in Ukraine. The resolution, which was led by Canada and Poland, and supported by 26 other countries.
Separately, shelling continued across different parts of the country. The Defence Ministry of Ukraine said that Russian forces are focused on encircling Kyiv. In the past 24 hours, 34 civilians were killed and 285 injured in Kharkiv.
