Putin warns Macron attacks at ZNPP could be 'catastrophic'
The presidents of Russia and France hold talks over the phone regarding the safety at the Zaporozhye nuclear plant, and Putin warns Macron of the 'catastrophic consequences' of Ukrainian attacks against the ZNPP.
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Putin warns Macron attacks at ZNPP could be 'catastrophic'
During a phone call, President Vladimir Putin warned his French counterpart on Sunday of the potential "catastrophic consequences" of Ukrainian attacks on the Zaporozhye nuclear power plant in a Russian-controlled area of Ukraine.
In a statement, the Kremlin said that "The Russian side drew attention to regular Ukrainian attacks on the plant’s facilities, including radioactive waste storage, which is fraught with catastrophic consequences."
The ZNPP, the largest nuclear power plant in Ukraine and Europe, has been a focal point of fighting in recent weeks, which has risen concerns over a potential nuclear incident.
During the call, Putin accused Ukrainian forces of using Western-supplied arms to target civilian infrastructure in the eastern Donbass region of Ukraine.
The ZNPP fell under the control of Russian forces after the start of the war and has been targeted frequently by artillery shells from the Ukrainian forces, raising international concerns over a possible nuclear accident.
On September 1, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) sent a 14-person team to the site, including its Director General Rafael Grossi, to assess the situation at the plant. At least two members of the team were to remain there on a permanent basis to ensure the facility's safety. The IAEA said a few days ago the plant had been disconnected from its last remaining main power line to the grid and was relying on a reserve line.
Member of the main council of the Zaporozhye region administration, Vladimir Rogov, told Sputnik today that the last operating power unit of the Zaporozhye nuclear power plant (ZNPP) has been shut down, adding that "over the last few days, the only operating power unit, the sixth, has been operating at its minimum capacity. It was shut down at night, at 3:45 a.m. [00:45 GMT]. It is not generating electricity now".
According to Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu, 29 strikes on the Zaporozhye complex have taken place since July 18, including 120 artillery shells and 16 kamikaze drones.
