Zelensky warns of Russia's plans to target nuclear plants

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has conveyed to the United Nations that Russia intends to escalate its assaults on Ukraine's nuclear power facilities, raising concerns about a potential "nuclear disaster." He referenced intelligence suggesting that Moscow is employing satellites from allied nations to conduct surveillance on Ukraine's nuclear installations. "Radiation knows no borders, and the consequences could be catastrophic for numerous countries," he cautioned before the UN General Assembly on Wednesday.

Since the commencement of its full-scale invasion in February 2022, Russia has persistently targeted energy infrastructure throughout Ukraine. "Any significant incident within the energy sector could precipitate a nuclear calamity—this must never transpire," he insisted. Zelensky underscored that Moscow must acknowledge this reality, which is contingent upon the global community's commitment to exert pressure on the aggressor. "These nuclear power plants must remain secure," he stated.

The United Nations nuclear watchdog has recently issued a warning indicating that safety conditions at the Zaporizhzhia plant, currently under Russian occupation, are deteriorating. This alert followed a strike near crucial water sprinkler ponds, alarmingly close to the remaining high-voltage power line. This facility was seized by Russian forces early in the conflict and has endured numerous assaults, with both sides attributing blame to one another.

In his address, Zelensky disclosed that Russia has destroyed all of Ukraine’s thermal power plants and has significantly diminished its hydroelectric capacity to "torment" the Ukrainian populace as winter approaches. "Energy should not be wielded as a weapon," he asserted. A primary power facility near Kyiv was entirely devastated by Russian bombardments in April, resulting in widespread blackouts impacting millions of Ukrainians this year.

Currently in the United States, Zelensky is scheduled to meet with President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, while a representative for Donald Trump's campaign has indicated that the Republican nominee will not engage with the Ukrainian leader—contradicting prior statements from Kyiv suggesting that Zelensky was to meet with Trump. Trump referred to Zelensky as the "greatest salesman on Earth" and cautioned that the United States may find itself "trapped in that war" unless he is elected in November.

Furthermore, Zelensky criticized China and Brazil for advocating dialogue with Russia, questioning their intentions. He reiterated his appeal for support toward a comprehensive and equitable peace, emphasizing that Russian forces must withdraw from Ukraine's internationally recognized borders to conclude the conflict. He firmly asserted that Ukraine would not acquiesce to a return to a "brutal, colonial past."