The city of Zaporizhzhia in Ukraine is facing dual threats from Russian attacks: conventional weapons and the nearby Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. Russian forces have seized control of the plant, which has been in a cold shutdown for two years and relies on an external electrical supply that is constantly at risk due to the ongoing conflict. The plant needs electricity to keep crucial safety systems functioning, raising concerns about potential meltdowns and radiation leaks.
Most of the youngest residents of Zaporizhzhia have been out of school for nearly four years, with in-person classes suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic and continued online learning after the war started in February 2022. In response to the ongoing threats, construction has begun on a dozen subterranean schools designed to be radiation- and bomb-proof, with a capacity to educate 12,000 students. The cost of building these underground schools is significant, but international donors are providing support.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused Russia of targeting nuclear plants deliberately, citing the seizure of the Chornobyl area in the early days of the invasion. Russia has alluded to its nuclear weapons stockpile without making direct threats, although President Vladimir Putin has warned of potential nuclear responses to attacks on Russian sovereignty. Ukrainian officials fear that the attacks on Chornobyl and Zaporizhzhia may be just the beginning, with Zelenskyy warning of possible strikes on more nuclear plants.
The Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant has a safer and more modern design compared to Chernobyl, but there is still a risk of accidents due to the ongoing conflict and potential power outages. The city of Zaporizhzhia is dealing with daily bombings, making bombs a more immediate fear for parents than radiation. The construction of underground schools demonstrates the city’s commitment to protecting its youngest residents in the face of ongoing threats from Russian forces.
The Associated Press has been covering the nuclear landscape with support from organizations such as the Carnegie Corporation of New York and Outrider Foundation. The situation in Zaporizhzhia highlights the intersection of military conflict and nuclear risk, with the potential for devastating consequences if the safety of the nuclear power plant is compromised. Ukrainian officials are on high alert for further threats to their nuclear infrastructure, emphasizing the need for international support and cooperation in mitigating these risks.
