Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has issued a stark warning to the United Nations, claiming that Russia is planning deeper attacks on Ukraine’s nuclear power plants, heightening the risk of a “nuclear disaster.” Addressing the UN General Assembly on Wednesday, Zelensky cited intelligence reports showing that Moscow is using satellites provided by other nations to gather crucial information about Ukraine’s nuclear infrastructure.
“Radiation does not respect state borders and many nations could feel a devastating effect,” Zelensky cautioned, urging the international community to act decisively. He emphasised the global stakes, as any critical incident within Ukraine’s energy system could trigger widespread consequences. “A day like that must never come,” he declared.
Since its full-scale invasion in February 2022, Russia has systematically targeted Ukraine’s energy facilities. The Ukrainian leader revealed that Moscow had destroyed all of Ukraine’s thermal power plants and a significant portion of its hydroelectric capacity, a move aimed at “tormenting” the population ahead of winter.
Zelensky also noted that safety at the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant had worsened, following a recent strike dangerously close to vital areas of the facility. Both sides have repeatedly blamed each other for the attacks on the plant, which has remained a flashpoint throughout the conflict.
Appealing for global unity, Zelensky urged world leaders to pressure Moscow to stop weaponising energy and safeguard Ukraine’s nuclear sites. “These are nuclear power plants. They must be safe,” he stressed.
Zelensky’s speech also extended beyond the immediate nuclear threat. He took aim at China and Brazil for advocating talks with Russia, questioning their motives. Additionally, he reiterated his stance that a complete withdrawal of Russian forces from Ukraine’s internationally-recognised borders was necessary for any peace deal, affirming Ukraine’s refusal to return to a “brutal, colonial past.”
While in the US, Zelensky plans to meet President Joe Biden and Vice-President Kamala Harris. However, Donald Trump, the Republican presidential nominee, has declined a meeting with Zelensky, criticising the Ukrainian leader after his UN address and remarking that the US would remain “stuck in that war” unless Trump wins the 2024 election.
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