Zelensky Meets Vance As Ukraine Says Russia Hit Chernobyl Nuclear Plant

 In a significant diplomatic engagement, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with U.S. Vice President JD Vance on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference. The discussions centered on achieving a "real and guaranteed" peace to end the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Zelensky emphasized the importance of not making decisions about Ukraine without its direct involvement, stating, "We will never accept it, and I'm not just speaking about me." He also expressed gratitude for U.S. support and highlighted concerns about Russian President Vladimir Putin's potential plans to extend the conflict to NATO countries. Vice President Vance underscored the need for robust defense spending by European nations and hinted at potential U.S. military involvement, reflecting the shared goals between the U.S. and Ukraine to halt the war and secure lasting peace. 

Concurrently, tensions escalated as a Russian drone carrying a high-explosive warhead struck the containment shell of the Chernobyl nuclear plant in Ukraine. The attack caused significant damage and ignited a fire; however, radiation levels remained unchanged, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). President Zelensky condemned the act, stating it demonstrates that Russia, under Putin's leadership, is not preparing for negotiations and poses a global terrorist threat. The Kremlin denied responsibility, suggesting the incident was a Ukrainian provocation aimed at disrupting peace efforts. The IAEA highlighted the increased nuclear safety risks near Ukrainian nuclear facilities due to such attacks. 

These developments occur amid ongoing peace negotiations, with President Zelensky urging the U.S. to impose comprehensive sanctions on Russia and to ensure Ukraine's active participation in any decisions affecting its sovereignty. The situation remains fluid, with the international community closely monitoring the outcomes of diplomatic engagements and the security implications of attacks on critical infrastructure like the Chernobyl nuclear plant.