As we have been reporting, the UN’s nuclear watchdog has called for an immediate halt to attacks on Europe’s largest nuclear power plant in Ukraine.
The International Atomic Energy Agency has warned those responsible for shelling the Zaporizhzhia plant that they’re “playing with fire”.
Russia has accused Ukraine of being behind the latest attacks on the facility, which is under Russian control, but Ukraine has blamed Moscow.
Retired Air Vice Marshal Sean Bell has been explaining the latest developments on the ground.
“Yesterday evening and this morning, there were a series of powerful explosions that rocked the Zaporizhzhia nuclear facility.
“It’s probably worth remembering, though, that the International Atomic Energy Agency is on the ground at the moment, so we’re probably going to hear more than we would otherwise because they are getting nervous.
“This is one of the biggest nuclear reactors in Europe and it was seized by the Russians in right at the start of the war in March.
“And while Russia blames Ukrainians for this shelling, and buildings and equipment have been damaged, we’ve been reassured by all parties that there are no critical nuclear security or safety issues.
“This is strategically important to Russia. It provides a significant proportion of power across the whole of Ukraine, and if you recall, Russia’s been targeting Ukrainian critical national infrastructure for the last month or so.
“They will not want it to fall into Ukrainian hands. The Russians have been hiding their military equipment there and then firing out from there at the Ukrainian forces, which inevitably provokes a response.
“The real question is why is it happening now?
“The Russians are unsure whether the Ukrainians are going to continue their attack or pause and what looks likely now is that while the Dnipro river provides quite an effective barrier for the Ukrainian forces to come across, they have been looking to come round to the southwest, but also all around the north to attack to the east of Zaporizhzhia.
“Now, Russia is paranoid about Ukraine counterattacks and counteroffensive. They are bolstering their defences of the Crimea. They’re also bolstering their defences in the Donbas.
“But if the Ukrainian forces are successful with some of their counterattacks. The Russian forces in Zaporizhzhia will become increasingly isolated.”
Source: SkyNews