Nuclear countdown: Zelensky’s grave warning about Russia’s sinister plans

President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine, during a conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron, aired his anxieties about Russia’s plans to incite “dangerous provocations” at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.

This nuclear plant, known as the largest in Europe, has been in the hands of Moscow and continues to pose safety concerns amidst Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine. Zelensky underscored the urgency to sustain the highest level of control over the situation and proposed the participation of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in managing the potential risks.

Zelensky indicated to Macron that Russian occupying forces might be setting up hazardous provocations at the Zaporizhzhia facility. Both leaders concurred on the need to closely monitor the situation in collaboration with the IAEA. He further conveyed to the press in Kyiv about a substantial threat with Russia possibly orchestrating a local explosion at the plant that could release harmful substances into the atmosphere.

Ukraine’s Zelensky voices concern over potential Russian provocations at Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant. Photo courtesy of IAEA Imagebank/Wikimedia Commons.

The Ukranian President mentioned that these concerns are being communicated with global partners, aiming to understand Russia’s motivations and exert political pressure to deter such a plan. The preceding week witnessed Ukraine’s State Emergency Service conducting drills focused on radioactive safety in the Zaporizhzhia region. Reports suggest a group of Russian military personnel and nuclear power plant employees gradually exiting the facility.

Ukraine’s military intelligence issued a statement stating that explosive-like objects were placed on the external roof of two reactors, with a goal of creating an impression of Ukrainian shelling while avoiding harm to the power units. Renat Karchaa, an advisor to Russia’s Rosatom nuclear agency, countered these claims by accusing Ukraine of plotting an assault on the nuclear plant.

Ever since the war started in February 2022, Russia and Ukraine have consistently pointed fingers at each other for endangering the safety of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. The international community continues to closely watch the developments at the facility with rising concern.