Episode
A Nuclear Power Plant on Ukraine’s Front Lines
23:26
Published: Wed Sep 07 2022
Description
A counteroffensive by Ukrainian forces to try to drive Russian troops out of southern Ukraine has placed the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, the biggest in Europe, directly in the path of the fighting.As the world scrambles to prevent a catastrophe, the plant’s workers find themselves in a dangerously precarious position.Guest: Marc Santora, an international news editor for The New York Times, currently based in Kyiv. Background reading: Renewed shelling has put the Zaporizhzhia plant at risk despite the presence of U.N. monitors, underscoring what the International Atomic Energy Agency has called the “unprecedented” peril of the moment.The U.N. inspectors have called for a security protection zone around the plant. The risks are grave for all involved.For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
Chapters
The Ukrainian military has initiated a major offensive to drive the Russians out of southern Ukraine, yet the country's greatest nuclear power plant is in the direct path of the fighting.
00:00 - 01:22 (01:22)
Summary
The Ukrainian military has initiated a major offensive to drive the Russians out of southern Ukraine, yet the country's greatest nuclear power plant is in the direct path of the fighting. Mark Santora reveals the world's race to save it.
EpisodeA Nuclear Power Plant on Ukraine’s Front Lines
PodcastThe Daily
The Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine has played a role in the country's conflict, as it was targeted by separatists and militants during the war.
01:22 - 09:37 (08:14)
Summary
The Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine has played a role in the country's conflict, as it was targeted by separatists and militants during the war. However, this jeopardized the safety of the plant and its workers.
EpisodeA Nuclear Power Plant on Ukraine’s Front Lines
PodcastThe Daily
Shelling hit the thermal power plant near the Ukrainian nuclear power plant damaging a key reserve power line, which is necessary for the safe operation of a nuclear power plant.
09:37 - 13:51 (04:13)
Summary
Shelling hit the thermal power plant near the Ukrainian nuclear power plant damaging a key reserve power line, which is necessary for the safe operation of a nuclear power plant. In the past, nuclear power plant failure resulted in significant environmental and health consequences.
EpisodeA Nuclear Power Plant on Ukraine’s Front Lines
PodcastThe Daily
Ukrainian nuclear power plant is being forced to run with limited resources, as Russian troops currently occupy the region.
13:51 - 19:30 (05:39)
Summary
Ukrainian nuclear power plant is being forced to run with limited resources, as Russian troops currently occupy the region. Although experts believe having two UN workers on standby is effective, there is still a risk of a potential radiation disaster for every minute the Russian troops stay.
EpisodeA Nuclear Power Plant on Ukraine’s Front Lines
PodcastThe Daily
The UN urged Russian and Ukrainian forces to set up a neutral safe zone around the Chernobyl plant to prevent further damage and potential nuclear disaster.
19:30 - 23:20 (03:50)
Summary
The UN urged Russian and Ukrainian forces to set up a neutral safe zone around the Chernobyl plant to prevent further damage and potential nuclear disaster. Meanwhile, Russia's Gazprom announced that it would not reopen the Nord Stream 1 pipeline, triggering a rise in energy prices in Europe.