The events in Energodar outlined the further deployment of Russian aggression. The enemy purposefully destroys critical infrastructure, and in some places is already resorting to nuclear terrorism. The key goal is the blockade of the Ukrainian energy system. The shelling and capture of the Zaporozhye NPP are the first steps of this plan. The next steps of the aggressor will depend on the severity of the reaction in the world.

Experts believe that Ukraine is ready for different scenarios. Noting that the national energy system has enough reserves. But, despite this, with further destruction of the infrastructure, as is already happening at the Zaporizhzhya NPP, there may be a shortage of capacities in the system and the risk of a catastrophe.

Realizing this, urgent steps are needed to prevent risks. One of the options for the security of the system and consumers is the fastest possible connection of the Ukrainian network to the European one. According to experts, Ukraine is actively working in this direction. For us, maximum support for the process by international partners is critical.

The shelling of the ZNPP is not just another military act against Ukraine. And not only a crude manifestation of nuclear terrorism. In fact, this is a declaration of nuclear war on Europe.

Why is this so? The captured station is the largest in Europe and the third in the world. It is currently in safe mode. But the risks of a nuclear catastrophe are high due to the inadequacy and unpredictability of the enemy. Especially because Putin appointed Kadyrov’s “experts” as “atomic scientists”.

The world must understand that any damage to the reactors, spent fuel storage, or plant life support systems will lead to disaster. And then the release of radiation in terms of volume will exceed the consequences of the Chernobyl and Fukushima disasters. And critical levels of radiation pollution will cover not only Ukraine, but also Europe. This was also the case during the Chernobyl disaster, which was much smaller than the Zaporizhzhya NPP.

It is important to be aware that the enemy does not plan to stop at the ZNPP. The next target of the terrorists may be the South Ukrainian nuclear power plant. Fierce fighting continues near Voznesensk, which is 30 km from the station.

The critical level of risks for Europe and the US should prompt them to immediately help Ukraine with the protection of our nuclear plants. The optimal step is to close the sky over the entire country. President Zelensky has been urging the world to take this step since the first days of the Russian invasion. I would like to believe that the obvious and indisputable facts of nuclear terrorism, which are tank shelling of nuclear reactors, will induce partners to make strong decisions.

We can assume that the enemy has chosen the tactics of “sowing panic.” They demonstratively damage critical infrastructure, after which they block the access of repair and restoration teams there for several hours or days. During this time, panic sets in. And already further the enemy takes control of the objects.

Some information about the technological features and the current state of the ZNPP. Currently, the first block, which was hit during the shelling, is unloaded, that is, without fuel. One of the six units is currently in operation. It was left to meet the needs of the power plant.

The main condition for safety is the correct operation of cooling systems. If they are damaged, there is a risk of an uncontrolled reaction with damage to the reactor and a significant release of radiation (more than at Fukushima). The same will happen with a direct hit in the critical zone of the reactor or in the storage of spent fuel. In the second case, there will be an analogue of the “dirty bomb”. Therefore, the world must quickly respond to the swing of a nuclear “tomahawk” in the hands of Putin.