Ukraine Warns Hit to Nuclear Plant Could Equal ‘Use of an Atomic Bomb’

Ukraine warned that Russian strikes against a nuclear power plant could equate to “the use of an atomic bomb” after Russian shelling caused damage to the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant (NPP) on Friday.

Russia launched its invasion of the Eastern European country in late February, claiming it was to “liberate” the separatist Donbas region and rid the Ukrainian government of Nazis—even though Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is Jewish. More than five months into the war, the stronger-than-anticipated Ukrainian defense has forced fighting to be concentrated in Eastern Ukraine, which is home to Europe’s largest nuclear facility, the Zaporizhzhia NPP.

Concerns the Russian military may cause damage to the plant, therefore raising the risk of a nuclear crisis, have been ongoing since March, when Moscow’s troops seized the plant and shelling began. These concerns were renewed Friday when troops allegedly opened fire at the plant again.

The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement Friday condemning the alleged shooting, warning that any action taken against the plant could have potentially devastating effects.

“The possible consequences of hitting an operating reactor are equivalent to the use of an atomic bomb,” the ministry wrote, adding that Russia moved military trucks and SUVs filled with weapons to the plant earlier this month.

The alleged shelling caused damage to the plant’s high-voltage supply line, the statement said. It also damaged the plant’s nitrogen-oxygen station and “combined auxiliary building,” according to Ukrainian-state nuclear power company Energoatom.

The attacks also led to a risk of hydrogen leakage, sputtering of radioactive substances, and a high danger of fire, the company said.

Zelensky said in a national speech that any shelling of the facility is an “open, brazen crime,” and that “Russia should bear responsibility for the very fact of creating a threat to the nuclear power plant.”

International Concern Over Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant

Russia’s actions at the NPP have drawn international rebuke. In the months following the invasion, other world leaders have raised concerns about a lack of justification for…