Zaporizhzhia

[Archibald Knox]

My big worry is the 6 x 1000MW VVER nuclear reactors on the Dnieper river, south of Zaporizhzhia. It’s the biggest nuclear site in Europe. Those reactor containment buildings will not stop a big missile or bomb, and if a reactor loses cooling systems there is the risk of decay heat causing a meltdown. The trouble is that Ukrainian cities need the electricity, but I hope they have been already shut down and are cooling.

One of the six 1000MW VVER nuclear units at Zaporizhzhia has reportedly been hit by shell fire and small arms. There is a fire on site. The reactor affected is reportedly shut down for repairs but is still full of nuclear fuel assemblies which require cooling. I really hope they can keep the lid on this (literally).

This is insanely crazy and, in the extreme, could trigger a catastrophe affecting most of central Europe.

 

[Outsider]

This is insanely crazy and, in the extreme, could trigger a catastrophe affecting most of central Europe.

Boris plants to seek an emergency UN Security Council meeting within hours - and No 10 said the UK "would raise this issue immediately" with Moscow.

Good for him for once.

 

[Outsider]

The US Energy Secretary reports that the reactors are now being safely shut down.


Hopefully.

 

[Matesrates]

Latest reports say Russian troops have now taken control of the plant.