Zelenskyy warns that the “disaster” in Zaporizhia would threaten the whole of Europe

A “disaster” at the Russian-controlled Zaporizhia nuclear power plant in southern Ukraine would threaten the whole of Europe, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned on Monday.

“Under the guise of the power plant, the occupiers are shelling nearby towns and communities,” said Zelenskyy in his evening speech.

“Any incident of radiation at the Zaporizhzhia NPP can affect the countries of the European Union, Turkey, Georgia and countries from more distant regions. Everything depends solely on the direction and speed of the wind,” he said.

“If Russia’s actions cause a catastrophe, the consequences can also affect those who have so far remained silent.”

Zelenskyy called on the international community to adopt “new tough sanctions against Russia” and not give in to “nuclear blackmail”.

“All Russian troops must be withdrawn immediately and unconditionally from the plant and adjacent areas,” he said.

The facility, Europe’s largest nuclear facility, was captured by Russian troops in early March, shortly after Moscow launched its invasion of Ukraine.

Since late July, Zaporizhia has been the target of a series of military strikes, with Moscow and Kyiv accusing each other of being behind the shelling.

The fighting at the facility was the subject of an emergency UN Security Council meeting last Thursday.

Ukraine accuses Russia of using the plant as a base for possible attacks and to store weapons.