Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has raised alarm over the precarious situation at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant in southern Ukraine, describing it as a “serious threat.” According to Ukrainian intelligence, Russia is allegedly “technically ready” to provoke a localized explosion at the facility.
This warning comes as Russia resumes its drone attacks on Kyiv after a 12-day hiatus. A Ukrainian military official confirmed that air defense systems intercepted and destroyed all targets during the overnight attack. As of now, there is no information regarding casualties or damage caused by the attack.
Throughout the ongoing conflict, concerns about the safety of the Zaporizhzhia plant have been repeatedly voiced by nuclear experts. Russia seized control of the facility in March of the previous year, and its proximity to shelling has raised fears of potential accidents.
Previously, Ukrainian military intelligence claimed that Russian troops had planted mines at Europe’s largest nuclear plant. However, on Friday, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) stated that their experts have not found any visible indications of mines or explosives currently placed at the Zaporizhzhia plant. The IAEA acknowledged reports of explosives near the plant, including in the cooling pond, but emphasized the need for additional access to conduct thorough checks.
President Zelenskyy did not provide further details regarding the threat at the Zaporizhzhia plant. As of now, there has been no official comment from Moscow regarding the reported drawdown of personnel at the facility. Both Ukraine and Russia have accused each other of shelling near the nuclear plant, heightening concerns about a potential disaster. The Zaporizhzhia plant is located just 500 kilometers away from the site of the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear accident, the worst in history.
The situation remains tense as Ukraine continues to monitor and address potential risks to the safety and security of its nuclear facilities.
