Ukraine's Zelenskyy calls on UN to ensure nuclear security

By Jeyhun Aliyev

ANKARA (AA) - Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Thursday urged urgent action to ensure the security of Europe's largest nuclear power plant which is currently under Russian control.

Following a meeting with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in the western Ukrainian city of Lviv, Zelenskyy said on Telegram that particular attention was paid to Russia's "nuclear blackmail" at the Zaporizhzhia power plant.

"This deliberate terror on the part of the aggressor can have global catastrophic consequences for the whole world. Therefore, the UN must ensure the security of this strategic object, its demilitarization and complete liberation from Russian troops," he added.

Earlier, Russia claimed that Ukraine is planning a "provocation" at the nuclear plant, while Kyiv dismisses the accusation.

Also at the meeting, Ukraine agreed with Guterres to continue coordination on implementation of the grain deal.

"We also discussed the possible directions of its development, the issue of illegal and forced deportation of Ukrainians, the release of our military personnel and medics from captivity," he added.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is also paying a one-day visit to Lviv. He held a bilateral meeting with Zelenskyy at the Potocki Palace and the leaders discussed all aspects of Türkiye-Ukraine relations at the strategic partnership level.

The bilateral talks between Erdogan and Zelenskyy are being followed by a trilateral summit with the UN chief.