ZNPP’s biggest threat is destruction of cooling pumps - Former Nuclear Safety Minister Kostenko

Yuriy Kostenko, former Minister of Environmental Protection and Nuclear Safety of Ukraine, shared the information on Espreso TV.

"Water for the ZNPP cooling pond was sourced from the Kakhovka Reservoir. Additionally, the plant has a backup power supply system consisting of artesian wells. However, the effectiveness of this backup system has not been thoroughly evaluated in a long time. It is a bold claim to assume that it can fully replace the function of the cooling pond. There are also hoses that can reach the Kakhovka reservoir and pumps that can provide emergency water supply," he said.

According to Kostenko, the main concern is that if Russian troops blow up the pumps, neither the cooling pond nor the wells will be able to mitigate the situation.

"The repetition of the Fukushima scenario is a possibility. In that case, the tsunami flooded all the pumps responsible for supplying water to the reactor and spent fuel system, leading to subsequent explosions. Similar concerns arise regarding the cooling systems for spent fuel, which could result in a situation similar to the Kyshtym accident with significant radioactive releases. This is a matter that requires attention and discussion from high-ranking officials and the president," the former minister stated.

He added that the state should appeal to the international community and partners and demand action.

"When Putin began threatening Ukraine with a nuclear warhead, the consequences of this were brought to him through informal or formal channels. The officials of these countries should do the same, and tell him what will happen if he launches a severe nuclear accident with unpredictable consequences. This warning may work," Kostenko summarized.

• On June 14, IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi was unable to enter the territory of ZNPP because Russia did not provide safety guarantees.

• As of June 16, the water level in the Zaporizhzhia NPP cooling pond remains unchanged at 16.67 meters.

• On June 16, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that the Russian authorities want to blow up Zaporizhzhia NPP.