The Intelligence from The Economist Plant of attack: Ukraine’s occupied nuclear-power station
Aug 22, 2022
Rising tensions at the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant pose a significant risk as military activity intensifies. Experts discuss the daunting safety concerns for the Ukrainian staff working there amid fears of a nuclear incident. In the UK, deadly heatwaves have led to a spike in mortality rates, particularly affecting the elderly. Additionally, a fascinating study reveals the power of social capital, showcasing how friendships across socioeconomic classes can enhance economic mobility and opportunities for success.
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Nuclear Power Plant Under Occupation
- Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, Europe's largest, is under Russian occupation, raising safety concerns.
- Russia uses the plant as a military base, shelling Ukrainian positions while preventing Ukrainian retaliation.
Zaporizhzhia: A Nuclear Shield
- Russia seized Zaporizhzhia in March, retaining Ukrainian staff under duress.
- The plant is used as a nuclear shield, with Russia storing weapons and shelling from the site.
Zaporizhzhia's Real Risks
- The biggest risk at Zaporizhzhia isn't a Chernobyl-like meltdown but the disruption of cooling systems.
- Loss of power and shelling could lead to radioactive emissions; staff exhaustion and potential abandonment also pose significant threats.
