The Chernobyl nuclear fuel storage facility stores a large number of spent fuel assemblies, which, without a working cooling system, pose a danger to the environment and a risk of increasing the radiation background.
This was stated by the Chairman of the Management Board of National Power Company (NPC) “Ukrenergo” Volodymyr Kudrytskyy.
He reminded that today, as a result of hostile actions of the Russian aggressor, electricity at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant has been completely cut off. "Lately, it has been supplied through only one line, two other high-voltage lines were damaged by the occupiers in the first days of the invasion. We have repeatedly negotiated with the occupiers to carry out repair work to ensure the safety of the entire continent, given the status of the Chernobyl zone and the presence of nuclear facilities, " - the Chairman said.
Once the occupiers agreed, the repair crew went to inspect the damage through enemy checkpoints. "It all ended with brutal searches, shootings over the heads of our employees and threats of execution. The crew were not allowed to do repair work. Today the Chernobyl nuclear power plant is without electricity, " – Kudrytskyy.
Kudrytsky stressed that the restoration of power lines supplying this extremely important and very dangerous object is critical. "In order to do this, given the current situation, it is necessary for the aggressor to leave the site of the Chernobyl NPP and the areas where “Ukrenergo'' crews will repair Russian-damaged power lines. We will insist that we are allowed to carry out the necessary repairs," he said.
The head of “Ukrenergo” noted that this is extremely important for the safety of the entire planet.
Earlier, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba stated that backup diesel generators will supply the Chernobyl NPP and its facilities for 48 hours. After that, further radiation leakage is possible.