Since March, Russian forces have controlled Zaporizhzhia, Europe’s biggest power plant. located in Ukraine
Pope Francis warned during the General Hearing, ceremony held every week, for the risk of a nuclear disaster at the Zaporizhzhia plant in Ukraine. In addition to the concern about the disaster, the religious authority asked this Wednesday (24.Aug.2022) “concrete steps” to avoid a disaster in the region.
“I want concrete steps to be taken to end the war and avoid the risk of a nuclear disaster in Zaporizhzhia. I carry the prisoners in my heart, especially those in fragile conditions, and I ask the responsible authorities to strive for their release.”said the Pope during the ceremony.
Initiated on February 24 by Moscow, the conflict enters its 6th month. One of the biggest concerns at the moment involves the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in southern Ukraine. Since March, Russia controls the installation. Attacks in the region intensified in August.
While the Russians claim that Ukrainian forces are bombing the plant, the Ukrainians deny it and accuse the rival country.
In a statement issued last week, Russia’s Defense Ministry said the nuclear power plant’s support systems had been damaged by attacks from Ukraine.
In the event of an accident at the plant, radioactive material would reach Germany, Poland and Slovakia, the Russian official said.
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky last week in Lviv (540 kilometers from Kiev). The trio spoke about concerns about a potential nuclear disaster and discussed ways to end the war between Russia and Ukraine.
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