"Preparing for Radiation Leak"... Ukraine Evacuates Residents Near Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant

Concerns Over Disaster Amid Continuous Shelling Near Nuclear Plant
Russia Also Refuses IAEA On-Site Inspection

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo Byung-don] Major foreign media reported on the 12th (local time) that Ukraine is preparing to evacuate residents near the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, where safety concerns such as radioactive leaks are growing due to continuous shelling.

Denys Monastyrsky, Minister of the Interior, stated regarding the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant occupied by Russian forces, "The plant is not only under enemy control but also in the hands of unskilled personnel," adding, "The level of danger has reached its peak."

He continued, "It is difficult to even estimate the scale of the tragedy that could result if Russian forces continue their activities at the plant," and explained, "We must prepare for all scenarios immediately."

Minister Monastyrsky also claimed that Russian forces have deployed weapons within the nuclear plant complex and have restricted access for some Ukrainian nuclear plant staff to certain areas within the complex.

The Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant complex, which has six reactors, is the largest single facility in Europe and has been occupied by Russian forces since early March, shortly after Russia invaded Ukraine.

Recently, continuous shelling in and around the nuclear plant area has raised concerns that it could lead to the worst disaster.

The responsibility dispute between Russia and Ukraine over who is behind the shelling near the nuclear plant is also intensifying.

The Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant issue was discussed at the United Nations Security Council the day before, but Russia reportedly rejected Western demands to demilitarize the area around the plant.

Vasily Nebenzya, Russia's ambassador to the United Nations, argued that the presence of Russian troops is necessary to protect the plant from "the most heinous provocations" by Ukraine. He also refused the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)'s request for an on-site inspection for safety checks.

In response, Ukraine claims that Russia is deliberately shelling the nuclear plant to pressure the West to stop military aid.

Furthermore, the West accuses Russia of using the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant as a "shield."