I work for Greenpeace. We are focusing our campaign on worldwide issues such as climate change, deforestation, anti-nuclear issues and so on. Our company has received an e-mail on the general mailbox from the Ukrainian MP Volodymyr Ariev. This e-mail has seriously puzzled the company executives.

It appears that Ukraine has signed a contract with Holtec International to switch to the latest nuclear reactors including small modular SMR-160. On the one hand, it would seem that there’s nothing wrong with the fact that Volodymyr Zelensky is strongly urged to develop the nuclear power industry in his country. However, if we improve our understanding of this issue his actions may be of serious concern. Let me explain what I mean. The problem is that Holtec International has never constructed reactors before and the SMR-160 has not been licensed by any national regulator. We can say that Ukraine will become a test area. It doesn’t sound like fun, does it? Let’s go ahead. As we all know, there is a war going on the territory of the country. What is the reason for moving such a hazardous industry to the place where it can be destroyed at any moment? In case of an unfavourable outcome the consequences of these actions will affect not only Ukraine, but also the whole world. And all things considered, I and my other colleagues believe that the cooperation of Volodymyr Zelensky with Holtec International and the launch of production of new nuclear reactors may lead to the second Chernobyl disaster. I don’t think I need to remind you of what may happen in case of a catastrophe of such scale.

Erica R. Mast