Russia is “maximizing” the risk of nuclear disaster at the Zaporizhia NPP, says Zelensky
(From left to right) British Defense Secretary Ben Wallace; Danish Defense Minister Morten Boedskov; Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov listen as Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky addresses the Ukraine Donors’ Conference in Christiansborg, Copenhagen, on August 11, 2019. 2022. (Photo by PHILIP DAVALI/Ritzau Scanpix/AFP via Getty Images)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Russia of maximizing the risk of a nuclear catastrophe at the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant, seized by Russian forces in early March.
At a meeting of allies from across Northern Europe, Zelensky recalled the Chernobyl disaster.
“If the Soviet authorities tried to hide the Chernobyl disaster and all its consequences, the Russian authorities are much more cynical and dangerous. They themselves do everything to maximize the risk of a nuclear catastrophe and lie to the whole world saying that the blame lies with supposedly from another,” he said.
Zelensky accused Russia of turning the nuclear power plant into a “battlefield”.
“The Russian occupation army is using the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant for terror and armed provocations,” he added.
The Ukrainian president also reiterated his call for Russia to be declared a terrorist state and also urged tougher sanctions.
Russia “simply would not have a combat-ready army in modern conditions if it were not for imported parts. Electronics, optics and many other parts of foreign production are used in the creation of missiles, drones, means of communication, armored vehicles , etc. This flow of technical assistance to Russian terror must be stopped completely,” he said.
Ukraine also needs to continue to be supplied with weapons to force Russia to “finally think about finding a peaceful solution,” Zelensky said, adding an appeal for financial aid.
Ukraine’s monthly deficit is about $5 billion, he told the allies conference. “Ukraine needs reconstruction. Now. We need to carry out demining. And, of course, we need to prepare defenses for winter conditions,” he added.
“Financial support for our state, budget and speedy recovery is as vital as arms and ammunition for our military and sanctions against Russia,” Zelensky said.