Ukraine Urges Immediate Halt to Military Actions Near Nuclear Facilities

Deputy Foreign Minister Oleksandr Mishchenko warned that Russia’s war risks nuclear catastrophe, citing attacks near Chornobyl and threats to Zaporizhzhia. Make us preferred on Google Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied United Nations Security Council minesterial meeting on Ukraine at UN headquarters in New York on September 23, 2025. (Photo by CHARLY TRIBALLEAU / POOL / AFP) Content Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Flip Make us preferred on Google Ukraine has called for an immediate cessation of all military activity near nuclear facilities, warning of the risk of a nuclear catastrophe amid Russia’s war. Speaking at an event at the United Nations headquarters marking nuclear safety and the 40th anniversary of the Chernobyl disaster, Deputy Foreign Minister Oleksandr Mishchenko said Russia’s war poses unprecedented challenges to nuclear security. Follow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official . He pointed to incidents near Chernobyl and ongoing threats to the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, the largest nuclear plant in Europe. Mishchenko also recalled a targeted Russian drone strike on Chernobyl that damaged the New Safe Confinement structure. “All military actions near nuclear facilities must be stopped immediately. Any damage to such sites could undo decades of international efforts in nuclear safety,” he said. He stressed that radiation risks do not respect borders and that the consequences of nuclear accidents are a shared responsibility of the international community. Mishchenko noted that the Chernobyl disaster led to the creation of key global nuclear safety mechanisms, including early warning systems and strengthened cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency. He also highlighted the role of the UN and international partners in dealing with the disaster’s aftermath, including radiation monitoring, medical and scientific support, and long-term recovery. Other Topics of Interest Some Funding Secured, Some Not – Ukraine Latest, April 27 Stalled bills for Kyiv’s external finances, cannibalism claims based on leaked calls, Chornobyl anniversary specials – updates from Ukraine and beyond Mishchenko added that Russia is seeking Ukraine’s capitulation, but said Ukraine will not yield, citing the strength of its army, its people, and international support. Since the start of the full-scale invasion, Russian forces have attacked critical substations linked to nuclear safety 155 times. Ukraine recently signed a €30 million agreement with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development to begin restoring the protective structure at Chernobyl. Ahead of the anniversary, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and the European Commission called on Russia to immediately stop all attacks on nuclear-related infrastructure. Kyiv Post is Ukraine’s first and oldest English news organization since 1995. Its international market reach of 97% outside of Ukraine makes it truly Ukraine’s Global – and most reliable – Voice.