Explaining complex things in simple words: Situation at ZNPP, Russian crimes against civilians, Ukraine’s Olympic wins
The Center for Strategic Communication and Information Security pursues efforts to provide a brief explanation to foreign audiences on the current topics of particular interest as regards Ukraine.
SITUATION AT ZAPORIZHZHIA NPP
On August 11, a fire broke out at the technical water supply facilities of the temporarily occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.
The fire at the ZNPP has been extinguished. Currently, the radiation indicators are normal. There is no danger to people and the environment.
The Russian occupiers are responsible for the emergency situation at the ZNPP. The cause of the fire is either their negligence or deliberate arson with the aim of provoking and blaming Ukraine.
Russia has been using ZNPP to blackmail Ukraine, Europe, and the whole world since the first day of its seizure.
Occupiers use the premises and buildings of the nuclear facility as military warehouses for placing equipment, weapons, explosives, and military ammunition, which significantly increases the risk of fires at the station.
The degradation of NPP systems and elements due to the Russian occupation worsens the overall security situation at the ZNPP every day. Large-scale fires can lead to the development of the event up to a radiation accident.
We expect the IAEA and the international community to condemn Russian influence on the nuclear power plant. Only Ukrainian control over the Zaporizhzhia NPP can guarantee the return of full security.
RUSSIAN CRIMES AGAINST PEACEFUL POPULATION
On August 9, as a result of a Russian missile strike on a shopping centre and a post office in Kostyantynivka, Donetsk region, 14 people were killed and 44 were injured. Among the dead were children aged 9, 11, and 16.
The Russians deliberately attack the civilian population of Ukrainewith the aim of killing, maiming, and destroying as much as possible.
The UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission notes that in July of this year, the Russians killed at least 219 civilians and injured at least 1,018. This is the highest number of victims since October 2022.
The trend of increasing civilian casualties has continued to increase since March 2024. Front-line areas in the range of Russian guided air bombsare particularly affected.
Last week alone, the Russian army attacked Ukrainian cities and villages with more than 30 missiles and more than 800 guided aerial bombs.
Ukrainians are grateful to all partners who help with air defence systems and combat aircraft. But to really stop Russian terror, we also need strong decisions by our partners, which will remove restrictions on our defensive actions.
OLYMPIC VICTORIES
On August 11, the XXXIII Summer Olympic Games in Paris ended.
The Ukrainian national team won 12 medals: 3 gold, 5 silver, and 4 bronze, taking 22nd place. This is our best result at the Summer Games since 2012.
Because of the war, Ukraine was represented in Paris by the smallest team ever to participate in the Summer Olympic Games — only 140 athletes in 23 sports. This did not prevent them from achieving a high result.
Many Ukrainian athletes were forced to exchange sports halls for trenches, many of them died and were wounded as soldiers or victims of Russian terror. And despite everything, Ukrainian sport is alive and developing.
Ukrainian athletes demonstrated charisma, motivation, high training, and the will to win. Millions of Ukrainians were inspired by their sports achievements. Ukrainian sports are gaining supporters for our country abroad.
We are grateful to the organizers who prevented the Olympics from turning into a propaganda platform for the aggressor state and prevented Russian attempts to disrupt or discredit the competition.
Center for Strategic Communication and Information Security