Alarm Grows Over Safety of Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant Transcript

The area around Europe’s largest nuclear plant is on edge tonight with Ukraine and Russia accusing each other of planning to attack the facility. It remains under Russian control. CBS’s Charlie D’Agata was in the city of Zaporizhzhia earlier today,

The specter of a nuclear disaster looms again tonight. Both sides warning of a catastrophic attack. President Zelensky accuses Russian troops of planting objects resembling explosives on top of reactor units. That follows Russian claims, Ukraine is plotting to strike it with missiles packed with nuclear material gathered from other facilities. Neither side providing any evidence, and the nuclear watchdog the IAEA said, “There’s no visible indications of mines or explosives.” Residents in Zaporizhzhia have become used to living in the shadow of the threat. Drills are routinely held in the region for civilians, “But this time it feels different” says Chairman of the Regional Council, Elena Zuck.

It’s obvious, for me it’s completely obvious, that they will try to do something.

Russia already stands accused of recent sabotage, blamed for blowing up the Nova Kakhovka Dam just last month, wiping out dozens of towns and villages. Young mother Arena Korniyenko has withstood the worst of the war so far. “We’re ready for everything” she says. “So much has already happened here that I think nothing can scare us anymore.” Listening closely. 11 year old Alina struggles to match her mother’s courage. We were told that residents would be alerted by mobile phone what to do in case of an emergency, like get inside and close the doors and windows. But Ukraine’s Health Ministry has said people should be prepared to evacuate at a moment’s notice. Jerika.

Such a stressful situation. Thank you, Charlie.