War in Ukraine: Federal agency worried about possible nuclear accident

In the course of the Russian attack on Ukraine, Europe's largest nuclear power plant in Zaporizhia has repeatedly been shelled.

War in Ukraine: Federal agency worried about possible nuclear accident

In the course of the Russian attack on Ukraine, Europe's largest nuclear power plant in Zaporizhia has repeatedly been shelled. The dangers that emanate from this should still not be underestimated, the Federal Office for Radiation Protection advises.

The Federal Office for Radiation Protection (BfS) continues to warn of the danger of a nuclear accident in Ukraine. The greatly increased risk of a nuclear accident with serious consequences will continue as long as the war lasts, said BfS President Inge Paulini. "A year after the war of aggression began, this danger seems to be receding into the background of public awareness."

Among other things, they get the risk factor power supply. "The electricity is absolutely necessary for safe operation," said Paulini. It is possible that hostilities will again lead to problems with the power supply of nuclear facilities.

In the course of the Russian invasion that began on February 24, 2022, the Ukrainian nuclear power plant Zaporizhia was repeatedly shelled. Paulini believes the push for a security zone around the nuclear power plant to be correct. According to the BfS President, people in Ukraine and far beyond must be protected. This was also requested by the International Atomic Energy Agency IAEA.

According to the BfS, however, the consequences of a nuclear accident in Ukraine would be minor for Germany. "In the worst case, a control of animal feed and food could become necessary in Germany, possibly also a marketing ban for contaminated products," said Paulini.