Zelensky Warns of Russian Plans to Attack Ukrainian Nuclear Plants in UN Address

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday, warning that Russia is planning to attack Ukrainian nuclear power plants and disconnect them from the energy grid, raising the risk of a nuclear disaster.

Zelensky emphasized the potential dangers, noting that radiation doesn’t respect borders and could threaten more than just Ukraine. He argued that since Russia has been unable to defeat Ukraine on the battlefield, President Vladimir Putin is resorting to other tactics to break Ukrainian morale.

As winter approaches, Russia is intensifying its strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, attempting to cripple the country by leaving it in darkness and cold, according to Zelensky. This marks the third winter that Russia has targeted Ukraine’s energy grid, aiming to weaken its population’s resilience.

Zelensky’s address came ahead of a crucial meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden, where Zelensky planned to discuss his “victory plan,” which includes a request for long-range missiles to strike military targets within Russia.

In his speech, Zelensky recalled the fear and uncertainty that surrounded the Russian attacks on the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) in the early weeks of the war. The attacks revived memories of the Chernobyl disaster, with Ukrainians fearing a similar catastrophic event.

Although the immediate threat has lessened due to the reactors being placed in “cold shutdown” mode, Zelensky warned that the ZNPP, which remains under Russian control, is still at risk of a nuclear incident.

While experts have said that the risk of a large-scale nuclear disaster at the ZNPP is low, the potential release of radiation could have long-term health impacts, including increased cancer risks. Nonetheless, the ongoing threat to Ukraine’s energy system remains severe.

Zelensky pointed out that Russia has already destroyed all of Ukraine’s thermal power plants and much of its hydroelectric capacity, leaving 80% of the country’s energy infrastructure disabled.

Despite the focus on nuclear risks and energy destruction, Zelensky’s speech did not address Ukraine’s request for Western permission to use long-range missiles against Russia.

Polish Foreign Minister Radek Sikorski, however, reiterated the importance of granting Ukraine this capability, especially in light of recent Russian missile strikes that have killed Ukrainian civilians. Sikorski argued that Ukraine has the right to defend itself, even by targeting Russian bombers and airfields inside Russian territory.