The situation at Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant – which is under Russian control although managed by Ukrainian technicians – could escalate into a Chernobyl-like disaster.
This is the evaluation of the professor of International Law at Unicamp, Luís Renato Vedovato.
Ukraine and Russia exchanged accusations over the bombing of Europe’s biggest atomic power plant last weekend.
THE CNN Radio he explained that “the chances are not small” of a nuclear accident in the region.
“Every time there is a use of force, we need to be attentive, with inspection by international agencies so that these chances are reduced.”
The International Atomic Energy Agency called the situation at the plant alarming.
The professor said that both Russians and Ukrainians are resistant to allowing international inspectors to assess conditions in Zaporizhzhia.
“International bodies can give an impartial picture of what is happening, the scenario is worrying, with the possibility of a disaster similar to Chernobyl.”
The Chernobyl accident happened in 1986, when reactor 4 exploded and spewed radioactive material into the atmosphere, with losses still felt today.
The professor drew attention to the size of the Zaporizhzhia plant, which has six reactors.
“The explosion took place in a reactor, with great potential for energy production, and therefore a disaster, in a location close to the Black Sea and which could affect other countries in the region.”
In Vedovato’s assessment, although Ukrainians and Russians deny the attack, “certainty about the plant will only happen with international technicians having access and being able to point out responsibilities”.
*Produced by Camila Olivo
Source: CNN Brasil
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