Nuclear Security: A Case Study of Zaporizhzhia

By Muhammed Ali Alkis for Indian Strategic Studies Forum

Nuclear energy is an energy source with the lowest carbon footprint, and it offers solutions to the challenges of climate change and the energy crisis. This is why many states, committed to net-zero carbon goals, are expected to invest in nuclear technology to achieve their 2050 goals. However, nuclear technology has been a source of concern since the beginning of the Russian-Ukrainian War in 2022, either as nuclear weapons or nuclear power plants, which are not designed for war zones. In this vein, the article evaluates the situation in Ukraine, especially in Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (NPP), from a nuclear security and safety perspective. The article also details the worst-case scenarios involving the conflict around the Zaporizhzhia NPP. It should be noted at the beginning that the article does not address any political concerns related to the Russian-Ukrainian War but focuses on its ramifications on nuclear security.

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