Focus on Arts and Ecology

August 12, 2022 

China is "deeply concerned" by the recent shelling of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine, says Zhang Jun, China's permanent representative to the United Nations.

"We call on the parties concerned to exercise restraint, act with caution, refrain from any action that may compromise nuclear safety and security, and spare no effort to minimize the possibility of accidents," he told a UN Security Council briefing.

What is Zaporizhzhia?

·         Zaporizhzhia is Ukraine's largest nuclear facility, with six reactors on the grounds

·         Zaporizhzhia provides half of Ukraine's electricity needs

What is happening at the power plant?

·         Reports of explosions, fires, shelling, wounded employees, and power shutdowns at Europe's biggest nuclear power plant are sending shockwaves through the international community, amid mushrooming fears of a possible nuclear disaster

·         The plant at Zaporizhzhia in southern Ukraine was taken over by an estimated 500 Russian soldiers in March shortly after Russia advanced into Ukraine

·         At the onset of the current conflict, Russian troops advanced to within 20 kilometers of the South Nuclear Power Plant. As a deterrent, Ukraine's army blew up bridges and rail lines leading to Yuzhnoukrainsk to prevent a plant takeover

·         Russia has denied the accusations. Both Russia and Ukraine have accused each other of attacking the plant.

(Sources: China Report)