In 2024, Russian invaders increased the number of multiple launch rocket systems at the Zaporozhye nuclear power plant.
Greenpeace Ukraine writes about this with reference to satellite reconnaissance data.
In a new report from McKenzie Intelligence Services (MIS), commissioned by Greenpeace Ukraine, British military analysts for the first time discovered Uragan MLRS firing positions, as well as new Smerch systems, near Zaporizhzhya NPP. The report also shows that the construction of military trenches and fortifications by the Russians at the ZNPP cooling pond continues, Greenpeace notes.
It is noted that:
- these MLRS firing positions threaten Nikopol and the entire region, even potentially Krivoy Rog;
- McKenzie analysts concluded that the proximity of these expensive Russian MLRS to the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant does not allow Ukraine to use counter-battery fire;
- the Russians built more than 1 thousand meters of trenches and fortifications on the cooling pond of the nuclear power plant;
- Greenpeace analysis suggests that the militarization of the cooling pond was linked to the failure of Russian plans to restart and build a new water pumping station. After the destruction of the hydroelectric power station in Novaya Kakhovka by the Russians, the ZNPP reactors lost access to the necessary water from the Kakhovka reservoir. Due to international pressure, Russia has postponed its plan to restart Zaporizhzhya NPP reactors, which should be implemented until December 10, 2024.
McKenzie’s analysis highlights the IAEA’s continued failure to report on major Russian military operations and risks that violate nuclear safety standards, said Greenpeace Ukraine nuclear affairs expert Vande Putte.
The gravity of the nuclear crisis requires a new approach to ending the Russian occupation of the Zaporozhye nuclear power plant. Russia must be removed from any future control of the plant and stop destroying Ukrainian energy as a whole, he added.
Source: Racurs
I am David Wyatt, a professional writer and journalist for Buna Times. I specialize in the world section of news coverage, where I bring to light stories and issues that affect us globally. As a graduate of Journalism, I have always had the passion to spread knowledge through writing.