War in Ukraine: a “disaster” at the Zaporozhzhya nuclear power plant would threaten the whole of Europe

“If Russia’s actions lead to catastrophe, the consequences could hit those who remain silent for now,” President Zelensky warned. Call for new sanctionsHe called on the international community to adopt “tough new sanctions against Russia” and not to “give in to nuclear blackmail”. “All Russian forces must immediately withdraw from the station and surrounding areas without any conditions,” he said. Zaporizhia nuclear power plant, the largest in Europe, was taken by Russian troops in early March , at the start of their invasion of Ukraine launched on 24 February. Since the end of July, several strikes, which both sides accuse each other of, have targeted the site, raising fears of a nuclear disaster and prompting a meeting of the UN Security Council last week. Defense Sergei Shoigu and UN chief Antonio Guterres spoke on Monday by telephone about the security of the Zaporijjia nuclear power plant, under Moscow control in southern Ukraine, where it is targeted by bombing. “Sergei Shoigu conducted telephone negotiations with UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres regarding the conditions for safe operation of the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant,” the Russian Defense Ministry said.