Chernobyl, synonymous with the world’s worst nuclear disaster.
The 1986 explosion at the nuclear power plant in what was then part of the Soviet Union was far more powerful than the atomic bombs America dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945.
The Chernobyl blast sent red-hot, highly irradiated graphite and dust skyward, rendering wide areas within the sealed “exclusion zone” uninhabitable for tens of thousands of years.
Thanks to the efforts of thousands of servicemen and emergency workers who prevented a more massive catastrophe at Reactor Four, where uranium fuel rods had fused into what was dubbed the “elephant’s foot,” the worst was averted, preventing much of Eastern Europe from becoming similarly uninhabited.
“For three months, I couldn’t get up, I could barely eat,” said 69-year-old Volodymyr Robovyk, one of the workers, recalling the health problems he faced.
What have the US and Ukraine said?
President Trump expressed during a call with Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy that relinquishing control of Ukraine’s nuclear facilities to the US would be the best way to protect them.
“American control of these plants could serve as the best protection for that infrastructure,” Trump stated.
Trump argued that the US could offer substantial assistance in operating the plants with American electrical and utility expertise.
Zelenskyy quickly clarified that they had only discussed one plant under Russian control.
This was in reference to the Zaporizhzhia plant, Europe’s largest nuclear facility, which once accounted for a fifth of Ukraine’s power output. Russia has occupied the site since 2022, and all its reactors are in a secure shutdown state.
Ukraine has no intention of handing over the Zaporizhzhia plant to the US.
“If outsiders wish to take over, invest, and modernize it, then we can discuss. But we’re not talking about transferring ownership,” said Zelenskyy in a press conference while visiting Norway.
What do Ukrainians fear?
Many Ukrainians worry that Russia could provoke an incident, such as a plant explosion, especially in light of Trump’s suggestion.
Ihor Romanenko, who once served as Ukraine’s deputy chief of staff, believes that such a risk exists.
He drew parallels with the 2023 destruction of the Nova Kakhovka dam, which Kyiv accused Moscow of orchestrating as a “war crime” and “ecocide”.
“We remember well what is Ukraine’s and will fight to reclaim our assets,” said Romanenko, hinting at potential future legal action against the US.
What is the atmosphere like at the Zaporizhzhia plant?
A former employee of the plant voiced concern about Trump’s proposal among those still working there with Rosatom, the Russian state corporation in charge.
Although fears have lessened due to no announced military intervention by the US, there remains apprehension about the possibility of a Russian provocation.
What role did Ukraine’s nuclear plants play?
Prior to 2022, Ukraine’s four nuclear plants were responsible for almost half of the nation’s electricity generation.
The plants were crucial after Ukraine lost access to coal mines in the southeastern Donbas region.
Since the conflict, shelling of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure by Russia has been common, though there was a promise to cease attacks just this week.
What are the broader concerns?
International observers are worried about Ukraine’s aging reactors, some of which have been labeled “zombie reactors” by environmental groups.
Petro Kotin, head of Energoatom, Ukraine’s nuclear energy provider, dismissed these claims, stating that they have successfully extended the life of the reactors.
There is also widespread criticism regarding alleged corruption and non-transparent dealings at Energoatom.
“They receive exorbitant kickbacks. It’s like a crew of pirates,” claimed Olga Kosharna, a nuclear safety expert, speaking in 2021.
She emphasized the risks of “equipment failure if you purchase the wrong spare part.”
