03.12.2024
Independent UN experts warn of escalating risk of nuclear disaster
Independent United Nations human rights experts have warned of an escalating risk of nuclear disaster in Ukraine following Russia’s continued attacks on the country’s electrical infrastructure.
“The latest large-scale russian missile attack on Ukraine’s electricity system has led to further significant damage to electric substations that are essential to the operation of Ukraine’s nuclear power plants,” the experts emphasised.
The timing of attacks raises additional concerns as Ukraine enters the winter months, when power demands typically surge, the UN said.
The recent assaults came despite earlier warnings from 13 UN special rapporteurs and working groups, who had formally communicated with moscow in October about the prohibition of such attacks under international humanitarian law.
Further, the attacks occurred despite earlier arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in June 2024 for high-ranking Russian government officials specifically related to strikes against Ukraine’s electric power infrastructure.
The experts further recalled credible allegations of russian forces subjecting staff at Europe’s biggest nuclear energy facility, Zaporizhzhia NPP, to intimidation, arbitrary detention, enforced disappearance and torture.
In its latest update the IAEA said nuclear safety and security “remains in jeopardy” at the Zaporizhzhia NPP after the facility had twice lost the connection to its only remaining 750 kV power line within a few days.
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