The nuclear power plant, one of the world’s largest, is located right on the southern front line in Ukraine. Russia is now carrying out a large-scale movement of people in the area, in preparation for expected fighting.
Lars Van Dassen is director at the World Institute for Nuclear Security in Vienna, working to develop nuclear security globally. He thinks there is a very uncertain situation at the moment. Ukraine recently accused Russia of storing military equipment and explosives at the nuclear power plant, something that Russia denies.
– The most obvious risk is radioactive release after explosive substances are used inside the facility, says Lars van Dassen.
Evacuating Russian personnel
After the occupation last year, Russian personnel came to the nuclear power plant, but Ukrainian personnel are still needed for the actual operation.
The nuclear power plant is updated with Western technology and the Russians do not have the skills needed to manage it. Now the Russian personnel are to be evacuated. But what that means is unclear.
– Is it because you want to use the explosives you have stored? asks van Dassen.
