Zelensky criticises ‘vile’ Chornobyl drone strike ahead of London talks
Zelensky Criticises 'Vile' Chornobyl Drone Attack Ahead of London Meetings
Zelensky criticises vile Chornobyl drone strike - Sir Keir Starmer, the UK's prime minister, is set to welcome Volodymyr Zelensky to Downing Street on Sunday, alongside French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The gathering aims to discuss European backing for Ukraine, with the leaders expected to address the ongoing conflict. Prior to the meeting, Kyiv officials disclosed that a Russian drone had struck a spent nuclear fuel storage site near the Chornobyl plant in northern Ukraine. They confirmed the fire was extinguished without any casualties, and radiation levels remained unaffected.
Chornobyl Strike Sparks Criticism
Zelensky condemned the attack as a "deliberate and vile Russian strike," highlighting its threat to nuclear safety. Ukraine's state nuclear operator, Enerhoatom, stated the facility "partially destroyed" but added that no injuries occurred and radiation remained within normal limits. The incident underscored concerns over Moscow's strategy to target critical infrastructure.
"Russia deliberately struck this particular nuclear infrastructure facility," Zelensky wrote on X, calling it an "extremely critical infrastructure facility" and the attack "vile."
Zaporizhzhia Attacks Escalate
Separately, a Russian strike in a village south of Zaporizhzhia claimed the lives of at least three people, according to authorities. The region has seen continuous assaults, with two casualties reported on Saturday alone. The attack on Chornobyl was part of a broader pattern, as Russian forces launched overnight strikes across 13 Ukrainian regions, deploying 88 missiles, over 3,250 drones, and 1,800 guided bombs in the past week.
Western Alliance and Strategic Goals
The E3 group—comprising the UK, France, and Germany—represents Ukraine's most steadfast allies. The UK and France spearhead the "coalition of the willing" to secure military guarantees for Kyiv, a potential cornerstone of peace negotiations. The trio last convened in London in December, when the US actively urged Moscow and Kyiv to agree on a war-ending plan. However, US mediation efforts have since slowed, with attention shifting to the Iran conflict.
Earlier this week, Ukraine targeted St Petersburg during its economic forum, triggering what Russian officials termed an "unprecedented" drone assault. A similar strike had occurred days before the event, sending black smoke over the city's skyline. Over the past four years, Ukraine has strengthened its defense capabilities, now capable of striking deep within Russian territory.
Putin Rejects Peace Talks Proposal
On Friday, Russian President Vladimir Putin dismissed Zelensky's call for direct negotiations, stating there was no need to meet. Zelensky urged immediate dialogue, arguing that delaying talks would let the conflict regain focus. At the economic forum, Putin reiterated his stance, claiming a truce would only allow Ukraine to regroup and not achieve lasting peace.