U.N. Security Council meets to discuss Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant fire

Several western countries, including the U.S., U.K, slammed Russia for endangering nuclear facilities

United Nations Security Council (UNSC) members expressed alarm at the prospect of a nuclear incident in Ukraine, at an emergency meeting on Friday, convened hours after a training building at Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant caught fire, as Russians moved in on the facility and seized control of it. The International Atomic Energy (IAEA) chief told the Council that no reactors had been damaged.

Several western countries, including the U.S. and the U.K, spoke out against Russia for endangering nuclear facilities, while others — including India and China — more generally expressed alarm about the situation without blaming one side.

Director General of the IAEA, Rafael Mariano Grossi, said that the IAEA had confirmed, through its agency contacts as well as directly from the plant that “no security or safety systems have been compromised” and that no reactors were hit by the projectile which hit the training building.

During his remarks, India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UNPR), T.S. Tirumurti, warned of the danger a nuclear incident.

“India attaches the highest importance to ensuring safety and security of nuclear facilities, as any accident involving the nuclear facilities may have severe consequences for public health and the environment,” Mr. Tirumurti said. He also emphasised that a humanitarian crisis was confronting Ukraine. India has been concerned about the lives of its nationals caught in the conflict.

Mr. Tirumurti reiterated India’s position — calling for a resolution of differences through dialogue and respect for the UN Charter and sovereignty of nations.