Russia: "If Ukraine Continues Shelling, Nuclear Power Plant Will Be Shut Down"... Ukraine Opposes the Claim

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hye-min] Regarding the shelling of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine, Russia has stated that if the shelling continues, the nuclear power plant may be shut down. On the other hand, Ukraine has made statements implying that Russia is responsible for the shelling, leading to a blame dispute.

According to Reuters on the 18th (local time), the Russian Ministry of Defense announced that if the Ukrainian military continues shelling the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, it may be shut down.

Igor Kirillov, head of the Russian military's chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear defense forces, said, "The backup support system of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant was damaged by shelling," adding, "If an accident occurs at the plant, radioactive materials will cover Germany, Poland, and Slovakia."

Contrary to Russia's claim that Ukraine carried out the attack, Ukraine has presented the opposite argument. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in a video speech on the 15th, "If the nuclear power plant complex is attacked or used as an attack base, it will become a special target for the Ukrainian military." This is interpreted as a claim that Russia has been the party shelling the nuclear power plant so far.

Earlier, a fire broke out at the nuclear power plant in the Zaporizhzhia region of Ukraine, which is occupied by Russia, due to shelling. Following shelling on the 5th and 6th, additional shelling occurred on the 11th, damaging some power supply lines and communication lines. Due to the continuous shelling, the international community has expressed concerns about the possibility of radioactive material leakage.

Western countries are insisting that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) should inspect the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant site from a neutral standpoint and establish security measures.