The World Federation of Ukrainian Women's Organizations (WFUWO) has appealed to the international community to warn of the threat of a nuclear catastrophe in Ukraine due to Russia's systematic attacks on energy infrastructure. The destruction of thermal and hydroelectric power plants has already put the country at risk of an energy crisis, and possible shelling near Ukrainian nuclear power plants could cause large-scale radioactive contamination. WFUWO calls on world leaders to take action to protect Ukraine's energy security, which is critical for Europe.
This is stated in the statement of the WFUWO.
"The WFUWO condemns Russia for its intentions to destroy Ukraine's energy grid this winter and freeze and starve Ukrainians, draws the world's attention to the ever-increasing risk of a nuclear accident at the ZNPP, and calls on world leaders, international organizations and the media to confront the nuclear threat... As winter approaches, European leaders must strongly warn Moscow not to even think about destroying Ukraine's remaining energy infrastructure and shelling the vicinity of Ukraine's three nuclear power plants, two of which are located near the EU's borders," the statement said.
On November 1, WFUWO appealed to world leaders, international organizations and the media to counter the nuclear threat, following the speech of the President of Ukraine at the UN General Assembly, where Zelensky warned of the danger of a possible nuclear disaster in winter. In particular, he noted that Russia continues to destroy Ukraine's critical energy infrastructure, such as thermal and hydroelectric power plants. According to Ukrainian intelligence, Russia is planning to attack facilities near nuclear power plants. Such actions could lead not only to the collapse of Ukraine's energy system, but also to the risk of radioactive contamination, which "does not recognize state borders."
On October 15, the Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, Oleksandr Lytvynenko, confirmed that the situation around nuclear power plants is critical. The head of the IAEA, Rafael Grossi, also expressed concern about the safety of the Zaporizhzhya NPP.
In the statement, WFUWO emphasizes that the destruction of energy infrastructure and shelling near the NPP could be no less dangerous than if Russia used tactical nuclear weapons.
WFUWO condemns these actions and calls on the world to respond decisively, warning that the situation could turn into a 21st century Chernobyl.
Author: Inna Mikhno