in Zaporijia, the fear of a new Chernobyl

Strikes took place on the Ukrainian nuclear power plant in Zaporizhia. Moscow and kyiv accuse each other on this point. “What we fear is not so much the bombardments, because this plant is extremely armoured. It was built in such a way as to resist missile fire but also the fall of a plane. What the ‘we fear, it is a stoppage of the operation of this nuclear power plant, in particular in electricity”explains Patrick Martin-Genier, professor at Sciences Po and specialist in European issues.

In ordinary times, the plant supplies one-fifth of Ukraine. If there is no more electricity, for example following a malfunction, there will be no more coolant to cool the plant, which could lead to a real disaster. “Vladimir Putin does not want to withdraw. The Russians are suspected of having mined the plant. He is trying to buy time, because he feels the pressure is mounting”says Patrick Martin-Genier.