Zelenskyy Urges Tougher Sanctions on Russia, Citing Nuclear Facilities as War Instruments

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called for tougher international sanctions against Russia, including measures targeting its nuclear sector. He stated that Moscow has turned nuclear facilities in Ukraine into instruments of war, posing risks to nuclear safety and international security.

Speaking on the 40th anniversary of the Chornobyl disaster, Zelenskyy highlighted Russia's use of both the Chornobyl exclusion zone and the occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. He accused Russian forces of treating the Chornobyl zone as a battlefield, digging positions, deploying artillery, and damaging equipment. He also noted that some Ukrainian National Guard personnel from Chornobyl remain in Russian captivity.

Regarding the Zaporizhzhia plant, Europe’s largest nuclear facility, Zelenskyy said Russia has effectively turned it into a military asset. He reported that Russian forces have used its surroundings for attacks, stored weapons and ammunition on its grounds, and mined parts of the perimeter. The plant has also experienced multiple full blackouts since the occupation began.

Zelenskyy urged international partners to expand sanctions on Russia and strengthen Ukraine’s air defence and long-range capabilities to protect civilians, infrastructure, and nuclear safety sites.