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World Used to Consider Ukraine Victim, But It Turns Out It's Not: Expert on Kiev's ZNPP Attacks

© AP Photo / Kateryna KlochkoThe Zaporozhye nuclear power plant is seen in the background of the shallow Kakhovka Reservoir after the dam collapse
The Zaporozhye nuclear power plant is seen in the background of the shallow Kakhovka Reservoir after the dam collapse - Sputnik Africa, 1920, 11.04.2024
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Several drone strikes have been carried out by the Kiev authorities on the Zaporozhye nuclear energy plant recently. Ukraine's actions were not condemned, neither by Western countries nor by the UN, which only called for the immediate cessation of attacks to avoid nuclear incidents.
The world has been used to thinking of Ukraine as a victim in the conflict with Russia; however, it turns out that Ukraine is not a victim, Anne Abaho, International Relations and Security Studies Lecturer at Uganda's Nkumba University, told Sputnik Africa, commenting on Kiev's strikes on the Zaporozhye nuclear station.
"And, you know, the world has been accustomed to thinking that Ukraine is a victim in this conflict, but it actually turns out that Ukraine is not a victim. So why don't we condemn this move? It is not as simple to move from supporting a victim and now condemning a victim. But we also know that the victim we have been crying with is actually not victimized as such because it is backed up by a power that is almost at the same level with the competitive power," the expert said.
Abaho also highlighted that the attack on the facility was "a clear abuse from the Ukrainian side" that did not follow the recommendations from the International Atomic Energy Agency, which "had said [to] avoid the military equipment near the plant" as well as not to fire close to the plant.
As for the lack of condemnation of Kiev's actions by the United Nations, the expert said he didn't expect the denouncement, as "if the UN comes out clearly to condemn Ukraine, which is supported by US," it will mean that the organization "realizes that the enemy to peace is the US through Ukraine."

"Just like the United Nations, the US would also tread carefully to make sure they do not hurt Ukraine, their baby," she added.

Recently, the UN has condemned the strikes without naming the perpetrator.
The political scientist went on to argue that Western countries will not denounce Ukraine and its actions since the conflict they are involved in aligns with their "ideological, economic, political interests and gives a continuity to their policies."
Zaporozhye nuclear power plant - Sputnik Africa, 1920, 11.04.2024
Opinion
A 'Trap' for Russia: Expert Comments on West's Attitude Towards ZNPP Attacks
Abaho also underlined the "extreme" potential consequences of the attacks on the nuclear station, which people living in the area may face.

"We certainly need to be concerned because the attacks and we have seen this in the past, the attacks could have extreme implications on people in that particular area. The attacks could have implications on water systems. The attacks could have implications on life, generally, because of radiation," the expert noted.

Speaking about the steps that should be taken to mitigate the risks of future strikes on the station, the scholar said that diplomatic measures are needed.
"The United Nations needs to realize that it is in a world where idealism and realism are at great competition, but also to ensure that the UN shouldn't withdraw its insistence and call to states, particularly the powerful states, to reduce somewhat the competition over power, the competition over economic benefits, over political influence and think more of the people, than they do about the territories and boundaries," Abaho emphasized.
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