**Zelensky Warns UN of Potential Nuclear Disaster Amid Russian Attacks**

In a stark warning to the United Nations, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky revealed that Russia is planning to escalate its assaults on Ukraine’s nuclear power plants, cautioning of a possible "nuclear disaster." He disclosed that intelligence reports indicated that Moscow is utilizing satellite data provided by other countries to target Ukraine's nuclear infrastructure.

Addressing the UN General Assembly, Zelensky emphasized the grave risks such attacks pose beyond Ukraine's borders. "Radiation does not respect state borders," he remarked, underlining the potential for widespread devastation. Zelensky urged for international pressure on Moscow to prevent any catastrophic events. "Any critical incident in the energy system could lead to a nuclear disaster - a day like that must never come," he stressed, calling for the safety of nuclear power plants.

The warning follows repeated Russian strikes on Ukrainian energy facilities since the invasion began in February 2022. Notably, the UN nuclear watchdog had recently flagged deteriorating safety conditions at the Zaporizhzhia power plant, which has been under Russian control since early in the conflict. Both Russia and Ukraine have blamed each other for attacks on the facility.

In his address, Zelensky also highlighted the destruction wrought by Russian forces on Ukraine's energy infrastructure. He claimed that all the nation’s thermal power plants and a significant portion of its hydroelectric capacity have been destroyed to "torment" Ukrainians ahead of the coming winter. "Energy must stop being used as a weapon," he declared.

As part of his visit to the United States, Zelensky mentioned plans to meet with President Joe Biden and Vice-President Kamala Harris. However, an official from Donald Trump's campaign indicated that the Republican nominee would not meet the Ukrainian leader, despite earlier statements suggesting otherwise. Trump criticized Zelensky after his speech, dubbing him the "greatest salesman on Earth" and arguing that the US would remain "stuck in that war" unless he is elected.

Additionally, during his UN speech, Zelensky directed criticism at China and Brazil for advocating for peace talks with Russia, questioning their motivations. He reiterated his position that any resolution to the conflict must involve Russian troops withdrawing from Ukraine's internationally-recognized borders, rejecting any return to a "brutal, colonial past."

Amid these tensions, reports emerged that No 10 is seeking meetings with the presidential nominees during their New York visit. Moreover, Trump's campaign highlighted "real and specific threats from Iran to assassinate him," adding another layer of complexity to the international diplomatic landscape.