Could fighting in Kursk lead to a nuclear disaster? | Russia-Ukraine war

The head of the UN’s nuclear watchdog is warning military action is posing serious risks to the Kursk nuclear power plant.

During a visit, Rafael Grossi said its nuclear reactor has no protective shield, meaning there is a high risk of disaster if it is hit by a missile.

Ukrainian forces crossed into the Kursk region just over three weeks ago and fighting has moved closer to the facility, putting it well within range of Ukrainian weapons.

Moscow says the facility has already been attacked by Ukrainian forces.

Kyiv has not commented.

So how dangerous is the situation?

Presenter:

James Bays

Guests:

Rafael Grossi – Director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency

Robert Kelley – Distinguished associate fellow at the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute

Elena Sokova – Executive director of the Vienna Center for Disarmament and Nonproliferation

Anatol Lieven – Director of the Eurasia Programme at the Quincy Institute