(Reuters) – In the lead-up to the NATO summit this week, Maria Zakharova, the spokesperson for Russia’s Foreign Ministry, emphasized the importance of discussing Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant among the leaders of the U.S.-led transatlantic NATO defense alliance. The summit, taking place in Vilnius on July 11-12, will cover a wide range of topics, including Ukraine’s membership bid, Sweden’s accession, ammunition stockpiles, and the review of defense plans. Zakharova accused Ukraine of causing systematic damage to the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant and believes it should be a key focus at the summit. She emphasized the potential consequences for the alliance members, who would be in the direct impact zone if an incident were to occur at the plant.
While Vilnius, the location of the summit, is located approximately 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) away from the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, which is Europe’s largest, both Russia and Ukraine have traded accusations of planning to attack the facility. The plant is situated on Russian-held territory in Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia region, near the front line of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy of Ukraine has consistently emphasized the grave threat posed by the facility, recently stating that Russian forces had mined the roof of several reactors.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) experts based at the plant have yet to observe any indications of mines or explosives, but they have expressed the need for more access to confirm their findings. With tensions high, it is crucial to address the concerns surrounding the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant.
This issue will certainly be a focus of discussion at the NATO summit, given its implications for both Ukraine and the alliance members. It is important to find a peaceful resolution to prevent any potential disaster and ensure the safety of the region. The summit provides an opportunity for leaders to collaborate and address these urgent concerns.
Reporting by Lidia Kelly in Melbourne; Editing by Kim Coghill
Credit: The Star : News Feed
