#russsian full-skale invasion in ukrain

[dzhmileka]

⚠️ Situation at Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant is critical: Expired fuel, unqualified staff, Russian occupation raise new safety concerns.

The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP), the largest in Europe, has been occupied by Russian forces since February 2023. This raises serious safety concerns, as the plant is using expired nuclear fuel and is being operated by unqualified personnel.

According to Petro Kotin, chairman of the National Nuclear Energy Company "Energoatom", one of the most critical issues is the presence of expired nuclear fuel in the reactors. The fuel has been there for six years, exceeding the six-year limit set by the manufacturer. This can lead to destruction of fuel cells, which could result in a release of radioactive material.

The situation is further complicated by the fact that the Ukrainian staff that operated the plant was dismissed and replaced by Russian forces. The staff currently present is not qualified to operate the power station, and there are concerns that they may not be able to handle an emergency situation.

In addition, the plant is experiencing problems because of a lack of proper maintenance and infrastructure. This includes a shortage of spare parts and qualified personnel

The consequences of a nuclear accident at ZNPP could be catastrophic. It could release radioactive material into the environment, contaminating a large area and causing widespread illness and death. It could also damage the plant itself, making it difficult or impossible to clean up.

The international community has called for Russia to withdraw its forces from the ZNPP and allow Ukrainian authorities to resume control of the plant. This is the only way to ensure the safety of the plant and prevent a nuclear disaster.

The situation at the ZNPP is a ticking time bomb, and the global community must act to prevent a nuclear disaster.

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