Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky issued a stark warning to the United Nations about Russia’s intentions to intensify attacks on Ukraine’s nuclear power facilities, emphasizing the grave risk of a potential nuclear disaster. Speaking at the UN General Assembly on September 25, 2024, Zelensky revealed that intelligence indicates Moscow is utilizing satellites from foreign nations to monitor Ukraine’s nuclear infrastructure.

“Radiation knows no borders; the repercussions could be catastrophic for many countries,” he cautioned the assembly. Zelensky highlighted the ongoing threats to Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, noting that Russia has consistently targeted energy facilities since its full-scale invasion in February 2022.

“Any critical incident in our energy system could trigger a nuclear disaster—such a day must never arrive,” Zelensky stated. He urged the international community to exert pressure on Russia, underlining the importance of ensuring the safety of nuclear power plants.

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Concerns about safety at the Zaporizhzhia power plant, located in Russian-occupied territory, have escalated following a strike near its perimeter last month. This attack came perilously close to vital water sprinkler ponds and the remaining high-voltage line. Since being seized by Russian forces early in the conflict, the plant has faced multiple attacks, with both sides blaming each other for the ongoing hostilities.

In his speech, Zelensky criticized Russia for systematically destroying Ukraine’s thermal power plants and damaging its hydroelectric capabilities, further tormenting Ukrainians as winter approaches. “Energy must cease to be wielded as a weapon,” he asserted, recalling the devastating impact of strikes that obliterated a major power plant near Kyiv in April, leading to widespread blackouts affecting millions.

During his visit to the United States, Zelensky is set to meet with President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, although a planned meeting with former President Donald Trump appears unlikely. Trump, who previously referred to Zelensky as the “greatest salesman on Earth,” suggested that the U.S. would remain “stuck in that war” unless he is re-elected in November.

Zelensky also took the opportunity to critique nations like China and Brazil for advocating dialogue with Russia, questioning their motives in the context of the ongoing conflict. He reiterated his call for international support of his vision for a fair and lasting peace, insisting that Russian forces must withdraw from Ukraine’s internationally recognized borders to end the war. “Ukraine will not accept a return to a brutal, colonial past,” he affirmed.