Biden dials German, French, UK leaders over concerns on Russia-controlled Zaporizhzhia NPP

US President Joe Biden spoke to several allies including leers of France, Germany, United Kingdom and expressed grave concern over Russia's ill intention to harm Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant in Ukraine. During call, Emmanuel Macron of France, Chancellor Olaf Scholz of Germany, and UK PM Boris Johnson "affirmed ir continued support for Ukraine’s efforts to defend itself against Russian aggression", said White House.

leers also emphasised ways to secure nuke plant from Russian attack in future. According to reout of President Biden's call released by White House, apart from  situation at Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, leers also discussed need to avoid military operations near plant.

ditionally, y also underscored that visit of officials from International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is crucial to ascertain state of safety systems. call between West's leers came as Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy raised serious concerns over recent warning posed by top Russian officials.

In order to avert any untoward situation, Ukrainian leer also agreed to allow IAEA agents to inspect nuclear plant and warned of "catastrophic consequences" if fighting continues near Zaporizhzhia.

US urges Russia to abandon nuke plant to avoid 1986 Chernobyl disaster

Earlier on Friday, August 19, US also urged Moscow to abandon Europe’s largest nuclear power plant, Zaporizhzhia, in order to avoid a potential reprise of 1986 Chernobyl disaster. appeal from Biden ministration came amid reports of Russia considering shelling facility in a “false flag” operation.

It is worth mentioning Russia has been using Zaporizhzhia nuclear power as a base for Russian artillery units and attacking Ukrainian forces. While briefing media on Friday, senior defence officials said US government across board and national security community is watching all Russian activities closely, "very closely".

According to officials, Russia showed a willingness to fire on a nuclear power plant in past, and refore, current actions in and around nuke plant would become disastrous for both Ukrainians and neighbouring regions. 
Furrmore, during call, leers also discussed ongoing negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program, need to strengn support for partners in Middle East region, and joint efforts to deter and constrain Iran’s destabilising regional activities. 

Image: AP