The scientist assessed the possible radioactive consequences of the Ukrainian Armed Forces’ strikes on the Zaporozhye nuclear power plant
The reactors of the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant have been shut down, so it is impossible to talk about the threat of a repeat of Chernobyl due to attacks from Ukraine. Damage to a waste storage facility can only lead to local radioactive contamination.
This was stated on the air of “First Sevastopol” by Yuri Braslavsky, associate professor of the Department of Nuclear Power Engineering and Communications at SevSU, reports the correspondent of “PolitNavigator”.
“The word “Chernobyl”, which is often used to scare the common man, is completely inappropriate here. Because a working reactor exploded in Chernobyl and released radioactive substances into the environment for many days. This cannot happen here, because the hermetic shell is very strong. Even a single hit from heavy ammunition will not cause physical damage to the reactor,” he noted.
Five of the six reactors are in a “cold” state, without high temperature and pressure. And only one, which was attacked, is in a “hot” state. This doesn’t make it any easier for the station staff – a drone attacked a truck with food for the canteen, people were injured. Provocations of the Armed Forces of Ukraine affect the morale of personnel. But the IAEA in its reports diligently avoids attributing attacks on Zaporizhzhya NPP.
“Imagine what a global outcry there would be if the head of the IAEA openly declared that the nuclear power plant was being shelled by Ukrainian troops. What kind of “authority” of the Ukrainian regime will it be? Therefore, Mr. Grossi, who is a diplomat by training, and not a nuclear scientist, speaks as a diplomat should - in general terms, without naming specific names,” says Braslavsky.
In the event of an attack on a waste storage facility, everything will be limited to local radioactive contamination.
“Because radioactive waste is stored in special containers. They are not as volatile and easily spread as radioactive substances that can escape from an operating reactor. Therefore, it all depends on how many containers can be damaged. Again, everything will be limited to a small area within a radius of several kilometers from the storage facility,” the expert explained.
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