Zelensky Warns Of 'Catastrophe' If Russian Controlled Ukraine Nuclear Plant Not Defended: Report

In his evening address, Zelensky stated: "Under the cover of the plant, the occupiers are shelling nearby cities and communities."

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned on Monday that a "catastrophe" at the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia nuclear reactor in southern Ukraine would endanger Europe as a whole, news agency AFP reported.

In his evening address, Zelensky stated: "Under the cover of the plant, the occupiers are shelling nearby cities and communities."

"Any radiation incident 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 was quoted by AFP in its report.

A "catastrophe" at the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant in Ukraine would threaten the whole of Europe, President Volodymyr Zelensky warnshttps://t.co/hB1cFyhlus pic.twitter.com/M5uVFDdl6h

— AFP News Agency (@AFP) August 16, 2022

"If Russia's actions cause a catastrophe, the consequences may also hit those who remain silent so far," he added.

Zelensky urged the international community to impose "additional harsh sanctions against Russia" rather than succumb to "nuclear blackmail."

"All Russian troops must be immediately withdrawn from the plant and neighbouring areas without any conditions," he said.

The plant, Europe's largest nuclear facility, was overrun by Russian soldiers in early March, just as Moscow commenced its invasion of Ukraine.

Since the end of July, Zaporizhzhia has been the target of a series of military attacks, with both Moscow and Kyiv claiming responsibility.

The battle at the factory prompted an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council last Thursday.

Ukraine has accused Russia of using the factory as a base for prospective strikes as well as a storage facility for weapons.

(With Inputs From AFP)