The war in Ukraine. Digest 16

"We don't set expectations high on these negotiations, but our position is strong”, said the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba about the talks with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Seregey Lavrov, which are to take place tomorrow. According to Kuleba, Ukrainian diplomats will try to make the most of this opportunity.

Ukrenergo informs that due to the shelling Chernobyl nuclear power plant was completely de-energized. All nuclear facilities in Chernobyl Exclusion Zone have been cut off from the power supply. Energoatom explained why this situation is very threatening:

"About 20,000 spent fuel assemblies are stored at the spent nuclear fuel storage facility - 1. They need constant cooling, which is only possible with the power supply on. Without electricity the pumps will not be able to cool the facility. As a result, the temperature in the pools will increase, evaporation and release of radioactive substances into the environment will occur. The wind can transfer a radioactive cloud to other regions of Ukraine, Belarus, Russia, Europe "

Odessa is fortifying now. The barricades can be found not only around government buildings. The symbol of Odessa, the monument to the first mayor Duke de Richelieu has been covered with sandbags. People also try to protect architectural monuments in the city of Lviv in Western Ukraine. A few days ago, a statue of Jesus Christ was taken out of the Armenian Cathedral. Last time the statue left the cathedral during World War II. Together with the figures of the Mother of God and Mary Magdalene, they were dismantled and transported to a safe depository. Some sculptures and fountains in the Market Square have been wrapped in fireproof fabric and special foil. This will at least protect them from the threat of fire or shock wave.

Tell Russians the truth - 40 million calls to stop the war. Ukraine asks all Russian-speaking people to join the #CallRussia international information campaign. Its purpose is to tell the residents of the Russian Federation zombied by Russian propaganda the truth about the real events in Ukraine.

The calls are free. An application on the CallRussia campaign website will automatically generate individual Russian phone numbers for each volunteer. The website also has recommendations on how to prepare emotionally for the call and have a calm conversation.