Ukraine and Russia trade accusations of imminent attack on Europe’s largest nuclear plant.

70

Accusations of Impending Attack on Europe’s Largest Nuclear Plant traded between Ukraine and Russia

On Wednesday, Ukraine and Russia exchanged accusations regarding their alleged plans to attack one of the world’s largest nuclear power plants, situated in southeastern Ukraine and currently under Russian occupation. However, both sides failed to present any evidence to substantiate their claims.

Referring to intelligence reports, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy claimed that Russian troops had positioned “explosive-like objects on the rooftops of several power units” at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. These objects, he stated, could be utilized to stage a simulated attack, implying a false flag operation.

A statement released by Ukraine’s armed forces General Staff disclosed that “foreign objects” were discovered on the external roofs of the third and fourth power units of the plant.

In other news:

• During a Shanghai Cooperation Organization meeting, Russian President Putin declared that Russia was more unified than ever before.
• Russia reported that it had thwarted a drone attack from Ukraine on Moscow amidst Kyiv’s ongoing counteroffensive.
• The US ambassador visited a Wall Street Journal reporter detained in Russia on espionage charges.
• In an effort to boost prices, Saudi Arabia and Russia announced a reduction in oil supply.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, in Russia, expressed concern over a potential “catastrophic” provocation by the Ukrainian army at the nuclear plant, which is the largest in Europe but currently inactive with its six reactors shut down.

“The situation is highly tense. There is a significant threat of sabotage from the Kyiv regime, which could have catastrophic consequences,” Peskov responded to a reporter’s inquiry. He further asserted that the Kremlin was taking all necessary measures to counter the alleged Ukrainian threat.

The statements came after Renat Karchaa, an advisor to the Russian state nuclear company Rosenergoatom, dismissed Zelenskyy’s claims of a plot to simulate an explosion, stating that there was “no basis” for such allegations. Karchaa made these remarks in response to Zelenskyy’s video address on Tuesday.

Karchaa was also cited by Russian media, stating that Ukraine’s military intended to strike the plant with ammunition contaminated with nuclear waste early on Wednesday. However, as of Wednesday afternoon, there was no evidence of such an attack.

For months, Ukraine has been issuing warnings about Russia’s plans to deliberately release radiation from the plant, citing internal intelligence reports. Ukrainian officials have claimed that Moscow might attempt to sabotage the facility to hinder Kyiv’s ongoing counteroffensive in the surrounding Zaporizhzhia region.

Russia seized control of the plant during the initial stages of the war, and in the past year, both Russia and Ukraine have repeatedly accused each other of shelling the facility.

---

For the latest updates on the war in Ukraine, follow AP’s coverage at: https://bigbignews.net/russia-ukraine

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about nuclear plant conflict

More about nuclear plant conflict

• AP’s coverage of the war in Ukraine: Stay updated with the latest news and developments regarding the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
• Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant: Learn more about the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, one of the world’s largest nuclear power plants located in Ukraine.
• Ukraine-Russia Conflict: Explore the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, including the territorial disputes and geopolitical tensions.
• False Flag Operation: Understand the concept of a false flag operation, where an attack is carried out to deceive and blame another party.
• Ukrainian Armed Forces: Visit the official website of the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense to access information about the country’s armed forces and their activities.