'We are afraid Russian forces could target a nuclear plant'

Ukrainians living in fear of Putin's next move

- DIANITA MARUNCHENKO

WITH each passing day, the situation in Ukraine deteriorates.

There are now genuine concerns Russian forces could target a nuclear power plant in the south east of the country.

The Irish Mirror spent time in Odessa and witnessed firsthand how locals are preparing for the possible attack.

FEARS are continuing to grow that Russia could launch a catastrophic attack on the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant.

I have only recently returned to Odessa, which is a city in the south of Ukraine, after I fled to Ireland when Russian President Vladmir Putin's troops invaded last year.

Since I've been back, I've witnessed first-hand the anxiety and worry people are consumed by as threats of a possible attack continue to be levelled at the nuclear plant.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned again and again that the aftermath of such an assault would dwarf the 1986 Chernobyl disaster.

Odessa is the country's largest seaport and we are only a mere 500 kilometres away from the power plant in Zaporizhzhya.

In recent days, people have been examining whatever options they have.

Local entrepreneur Gennadiy Vasilenko, 42, said that he sent his family to Greece back in April while he continued to work.

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But the situation has gotten worse and he has since left. Odessa, in fear of what each passing day might bring.