Ukrainian officials and intelligence officers have raised concerns about a potential threat from Russia to detonate a nuclear power station, posing a significant risk of a radioactive environmental catastrophe. Following the recent destruction of the Kakhovka dam, Kyiv fears that the Kremlin might orchestrate an explosion at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, Europe's largest, located in the Russian-occupied city of Enerhodar.
According to Ukrainian intelligence, Russian workers have been instructed to evacuate the power station by July 5. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed his concerns, stating that Russia has the technical capability to trigger a localized explosion, leading to the release of hazardous substances into the air. Zelenskyy emphasized the need to raise political pressure on Russia and engage with international partners to address this alarming situation.
Ukrainian Military Intelligence reported that a Russian military contingent, along with Russian-backed nuclear power plant workers, has gradually been leaving the Zaporizhzhia plant. Ukrainian authorities conducted radioactive safety drills in the region, while Russian personnel were advised to blame Ukraine in case of any emergencies.
Russia's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Maria Zakharova, responded by claiming that Ukraine was preparing a false flag operation, citing the safety drills and additional radiation measurement devices deployed in several cities. However, no evidence was provided to support this assertion. Currently under Russian control, the Zaporizhzhia plant has been subject to concerns raised by Ukrainian spy chief Kyrylo Budanov, who stated that Russia was prepared to orchestrate a technological disaster, specifically targeting the cooling pond necessary for the plant's operation.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has not confirmed Ukraine's information regarding the presence of mines in the cooling pond. While the IAEA acknowledged limited access to certain areas of the plant, its experts conducted inspections of parts of the cooling system and found a stable water level in the large cooling pond. Regular assessments have been carried out across the reactor units and surrounding areas, although the IAEA still expects to gain access to additional parts of the site.
Despite skepticism, President Zelenskyy remains steadfast in his claims, asserting that Russia might attempt to detonate the power plant in the future, even after it returns under Ukrainian control, using remotely activated mines. The concern is that any explosion could be attributed to Ukrainian negligence, conveniently shifting blame once control is handed over to Ukraine.
The situation remains highly volatile, with Ukraine maintaining a state of high alert to counter the perceived threat from Russia and actively seeking international support and cooperation to mitigate the potential risks associated with the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant.