Ukraine calls on Russia to respect international law and cease its attacks on nuclear power plants
- Prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine
- Impact of Russian attacks on Ukrainian nuclear power plants
- Europe's challenges in the face of Russian drone attacks
Prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine
Ukraine has called on Russia to comply with and halt its attacks on nuclear power plants, in a context marked by a recent prisoner exchange between the two nations. María Senovilla, correspondent and contributing journalist for Atalayar, offered a detailed analysis on Onda Madrid's programme ‘De cara al mundo’ (Facing the world) on this exchange, which involved more than 185 prisoners from both sides. She also highlighted the urgency for Europe to develop a common policy to contain Russian drone attacks, especially in areas bordering the European Union.
This latest exchange was significant, as 185 Ukrainian citizens were returned to Ukraine in exchange for 185 Russian prisoners. Of the repatriated Ukrainians, 165 were soldiers captured in Azovstal or at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, many of them belonging to the battalion that protected the latter. It is important to note that, during the Russian invasion, these soldiers did not use force to protect the facility, thus avoiding greater risks, and remained prisoners from the early days. After more than three and a half years in captivity, their release was a very emotional relief for their families and the combatants themselves.
Among those released were also prisoners captured after the fall of Azokstal, who, due to their fierce resistance, had been treated with greater cruelty by Russian forces. This group faced particularly harsh conditions and, after years in captivity, finally returned to Ukrainian soil in an emotional ceremony, with moving scenes during the reunion with their families.
During the exchange on the border with Belarus, the families waited anxiously. Some mothers received calls from their children as soon as they crossed the border, amid an intense and emotional atmosphere. However, there are still many families who do not know the fate of their loved ones, as Russia does not provide clear lists of prisoners or information on missing persons, thus contravening international standards. Unlike Ukraine, which keeps such records up to date, this lack of transparency creates deeply painful uncertainty for thousands of Ukrainian families, who constantly visit these events carrying photographs in the hope of recognition or news about their relatives.
Impact of Russian attacks on Ukrainian nuclear power plants
In recent weeks, the situation has worsened due to Russian attacks targeting key nuclear infrastructure in Ukraine. On Wednesday night, Russian forces launched an offensive with some 20 Shahed drones against the Chernobyl power substation, jeopardising the stability of the sarcophagus containing radioactive emissions from the accident at that plant. Although the plant has been out of service for years, the structure that prevents radiation leakage depends on electrical power to function. The blackout caused by the bombing lasted three hours, causing international alarm and concern.
President Volodymyr Zelensky denounced Russia's deliberate intention to cause a radiological incident in Chernobyl and pointed out the insufficient response of the International Atomic Energy Agency to prevent such threats. At the same time, the Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant, currently under Russian control, has been without power for nine days due to damage to the electrical grid that supplies power to the facility. Although the plant's generators allow for limited autonomous operation for 16 days, any prolonged failure could trigger a serious core meltdown accident.
These events are causing growing concern due to the possibility of a new nuclear disaster in the midst of the conflict, a situation that further complicates the war scenario and affects civil security.
Europe's challenges in the face of Russian drone attacks
In response to the threat posed by Russian drones, European leaders met in Copenhagen to address the urgent need to strengthen common air defence capabilities, especially in countries bordering Russia. Zelensky has expressed his willingness to contribute Ukraine's experience gained during these years of conflict, emphasising the priority of having an effective system to respond to this new form of attack.
The origin of this concern dates back to September, when multiple Russian kamikaze drones flew over Polish territory, penetrating several hundred kilometres and subsequently causing damage in Romania. Both countries, members of the European Union, highlighted the lack of joint European preparedness in the face of threats of this nature. This episode has highlighted the need for a common system for detecting and responding to attacks by unmanned vehicles.
The European plan, dubbed the ‘drone wall,’ proposes an integrated network of radars, sensors, and advanced drones that would function as a shared defensive shield. The idea is that the detection of a threat in any member country would automatically activate the defences of the rest. However, this project faces internal resistance. Countries less exposed to direct attacks, such as Spain and Italy, have expressed doubts about the investment required and the fairness of the benefits. France, represented by President Macron, prefers to focus resources on early warning systems and long-range deterrent capabilities.
This division of political and strategic positions delays the implementation of joint measures and fuels uncertainty about Europe's ability to respond in a coordinated manner to current risks. The discussion will continue on 15 October in Brussels during the NATO defence ministers' meeting. For now, the future of the anti-drone shield seems uncertain, with tensions over the allocation of funds and support for Ukraine highlighting a fragmented landscape for European defence.