Ukraine preparing for ‘tragedy’ at Russian-held nuclear plant – minister

SUMY REGION, Ukraine (Reuters) – Ukraine’s interior minister said on Thursday that Ukraine had to be ready for any scenario at the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant that has been hit shelling, including evacuating people from the area.

Ukraine and Russia-installed local officials blamed each other for a new volley of shelling on Thursday at the nuclear power plant – Europe’s biggest – which lies in southern Ukraine.

“The plant is as of today not only in the hands of the enemy, but in the hands of uneducated specialists who could potentially allow for a tragedy to happen,” Interior Minister Denys Monastyrsky told Reuters in an interview.

“Of course, it’s difficult to even imagine the scale of the tragedy which could come into effect if Russians continue their actions there,” he said.

Ukraine has in recent days warned of the risk of a Chornobyl-style nuclear disaster.

“This means for us that … we have to prepare for any scenario. The state emergency services together with the Interior ministry and the Regions Ministry is discussing different scenarios that are needed, including the question of evacuations,” said Monastyrsky.

(Reporting by Sergiy Karazy; Writing by Tom Balmforth; Editing by Mike Harrison)