UKRAINE: How the world avoided history’s biggest nuclear disaster during Russian aggression

The world narrowly escaped history’s biggest nuclear disaster last night in Ukraine.

According to the US ambassador to the UN, Linda Thomas Greenfield, the fire incident at Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant threatened the safety of Ukrainians and most of Europe.

She called Russia’s reactions “reckless” and “dangerous” saying it put the largest nuclear power plant at grave risk

Greenfield then called on Russia to withdraw its troops from the plant to ensure operators have full access to the site and are able to communicate with regulators, ensure shift changes, and the safety stability and security of the plant.

“Reliable electricity is vital for the nuclear facility, as are back-up diesel generators and fuel. Safe transit corridors must be maintained,” she said.

“Russia must halt any further use of force that might put at further risk all 15 operable reactors across Ukraine – or interfere with Ukraine’s ability to maintain the safety and security of its 37 nuclear facilities and their surrounding populations.”

Thomas-Greenfield said praised “the ability of the Ukrainian operators to keep all six reactors in safe conditions while under attack and to report as they were able to their nuclear regulator.”

“We are gravely concerned that the Ukrainian operators are now doing their jobs under extreme duress,” she added.

“Nuclear facilities cannot become part of this conflict.”