In an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council, held this Friday (4), Brazil avoided direct criticism of Russia due to the fire at the Zaporijia nuclear plant, the largest in Europe, which occurred amid the Russian invasion of the country, and asked for moderation on both sides.
“Brazil calls on all parties to refrain from any measure or action that could jeopardize the safety of nuclear materials, as well as the safe operation of all nuclear facilities in Ukraine,” said Ronaldo Costa Filho, Brazilian representative to the United Nations. .
“It seems that no matter how many public meetings we hold, the ceasefire and an end to hostilities remain an illusion. Brazil calls on all members here to truly and actively engage to promote dialogue and build trust. This is not the time to escalate further. rhetoric, but to engage in conversations in the direction of peace”, defended the ambassador.
On Thursday night (3), according to the Ukrainian government, Russian forces attacked and took control of the Zaporijia nuclear power plant in Ukraine. There was a fire in one of the buildings during the attack, which was brought under control. At least three Ukrainian soldiers died and two were wounded as a result of the attack, according to the country’s nuclear agency.
Russia denies attacking the site. Russian UN representative Vasili Nebenzia blamed Ukrainian saboteurs for the fire. He says that the region of the plant was already under the control of the Russian military since Monday (28) and that, on Thursday, a group of nationalists would have attacked a Moscow patrol near the plant, which led to an exchange of fire and a fire in a of the buildings in the complex. Nebenzia says that the situation has been brought under control and that there is no risk of leakage of nuclear material.
“The security of the facilities is being guaranteed jointly by the Russian Armed Forces and Ukrainian operators. Our military is not interfering with the work of the operators of the plants. They are limited to ensuring security,” he said. Nebenzia said accusations that Russia attacked the plant were part of “an unprecedented campaign of lies and misinformation”.
The Ukrainian representative, Sergei Kislitsia, said the takeover of the plant was an act of nuclear terrorism. “It is alarming that several personnel responsible for maintaining nuclear security at the site were killed by Russians. There has been no change of staff since yesterday morning,” he said.
“Russia seems furious that its plans for a quick invasion have failed, the Ukrainian people continue to fight courageously for their freedom and for world solidarity with Ukraine.”
The Security Council meeting began around 11:40 am in New York (1:40 pm in Brasilia) and ended after an hour and a half, with no announcement of measures. At the beginning of the event, Rosemary DiCarlo, UN Under-Secretary General, pointed out that attacking nuclear plants is an act that violates international law, specifically Article 56 of the Geneva Convention. “Military operations in nuclear areas and other key civilian infrastructure are not only unacceptable, but irresponsible.”
“From a technical point of view, the operation [da usina] continues normally, although obviously there is no normality in a situation where military forces are in charge of the installation,” Rafael Grossi, director of the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency), told the council via video call.
“We narrowly escaped a disaster last night. Putin has to stop this madness, and he must stop it now. Russian forces are now within 32 km of Ukraine’s second largest nuclear facility. So the imminent danger continues,” the representative warned. of the United States at the UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield.
Zaporijia, built between 1985 and 1989, is the largest nuclear power complex in Europe. It has six reactors that produce 5.7 gigawatts, enough to power 4 million homes, and generate about 25% of Ukraine’s energy, making it a central asset for any invading force. Its location is of strategic importance, as it is about 200 km from Crimea, annexed by Moscow in 2014.​
The Security Council is the only UN body with the power to intervene in international conflicts, applying sanctions or sending peace missions. This body is made up of 15 countries, five of which have permanent seats with veto power and another ten in rotating seats — Brazil currently occupies a temporary position. As Russia is a fixed member, it can bar measures against itself.
On Wednesday (2), the UN General Assembly passed a resolution condemning the invasion of Russia by Ukraine, by 141 votes in favor and 5 against. Brazil voted in favor of the motion, but made reservations.
“The resolution does not go far enough to emphasize that the end of hostilities is only a first step towards achieving peace. The resolution cannot be seen as permissive with regard to the indiscriminate application of sanctions and the deployment of weapons. These initiatives are not consistent with the resumption of constructive diplomatic dialogue. And they generate the risk of a greater escalation of tensions, with unpredictable consequences”, said Ambassador Costa Filho, on that occasion.
