Featured Image Credit: Twitter/ZelenskyyUa
Topics: News, Russia, Ukraine, World News, Chernobyl
Gerrard Kaonga
Topics: News, Russia, Ukraine, World News, Chernobyl
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has condemned Russia for its latest attack which saw a drone strike the Chernobyl power plant.
The war between Russia and Ukraine has almost been going on for the last three years as its anniversary, February 24, steps ever closer.
Despite the countless Ukrainian civilian deaths since Russia decided to illegally invade its neighboring country, the path to peace is still not clear.
US President Donald Trump has repeatedly insisted he wants to end the war and has reportedly spoken to Russian President Vladimir Putin over the phone multiple times with this goal in mind.
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Vice President JD Vance is set to meet with President Zelensky in Munich today (February 14) with the hope of peace talks and this latest attack will likely come up in conversation.
Taking to Twitter earlier today, Zelensky said a Russian drone struck the shelter over Chernobyl's destroyed fourth power unit, which is 'protecting the world from radiation'.
The impact reportedly caused a fire that has since been extinguished, however, there were fears the attack on the shelter could spark an increase in radioactivity in the area.
Despite claims the attack caused ‘significant’ damage, Zelensky confirmed radiation levels have not increased. Ukraine’s State Emergency Service has also said radiation levels in the area remain within normal limits.
On Twitter, Zelensky shared video footage of the attack, condemning Russia and insisting it shows their unwillingness to engage in peace negotiations.
He said: "Last night, a Russian attack drone with a high-explosive warhead struck the shelter protecting the world from radiation at the destroyed 4th power unit of the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant.
"This shelter was built by Ukraine together with other countries of Europe and the world, together with America - all those committed to real security for humanity.
"The only country in the world that attacks such sites, occupies nuclear power plants, and wages war without any regard for the consequences is today’s Russia. This is a terrorist threat to the entire world."
On Friday, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov denied that Russia was behind the attack and argued it was likely a 'provocation'.
Speaking to the press, he said: "Most likely, this is yet another provocation.
"This is exactly the kind of thing the Kyiv regime is known for and sometimes does not hesitate to do."
Zelensky continued to argue on social media that Russia intended to deceive the world about its actions during the war.
In another post, he commented: "Russia continues to expand its army and shows no change in its deranged, anti-human state rhetoric. This means that Putin is definitely not preparing for negotiations - he is preparing to continue deceiving the world.
"That is why there must be unified pressure from all who value life - pressure on the aggressor. Russia must be held accountable for its actions."