The threat of some sort of Ukrainian sabotage at the Russian-controlled Zaporizhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine is high and steps are being taken to counter it, the Kremlin said today.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters that the effects of such sabotage could be catastrophic.

Ukraine and Russia yesterday accused each other of planning an attack against Europe’s largest nuclear plant.

In his message last night, the president of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky stated that “we now have information from the intelligence services that the Russian military has placed explosive-like objects on the roof of several power units of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.

Maybe to simulate an attack. Maybe they have some other script. But in any case, the world sees that the only source of danger for the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant is Russia and no one else. Unfortunately, there was no timely and large-scale response to the terrorist attack on the Kakhovka hydroelectric station. And this may incite the Kremlin to commit new evil. It is the responsibility of everyone in the world to stop it, no one can stand aside as radiation affects everyone.”

Cross-categories

Kiev yesterday accused Moscow of planning “provocations” at the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant held by Russian forces.

On the other hand, an adviser to the Russian state-owned nuclear power company Rosatom denounces a planned Ukrainian “attack” on the facilities.

The Ukrainian army warned of “preparation of provocation in the area of ​​the Zaporizhia station in the near future.” It claims that “objects resembling explosive devices were placed on the roof of reactors 3 and 4.” He claims that the Russians’ aim is not to damage the generators, but to “give the impression of shelling from the Ukrainian side”, believing that Moscow will attempt to misinform on this issue.

In Moscow, the adviser to the head of the Russian giant Rosatom, Renat Karcha, accused Kiev of planning an attack on the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant. “We received information today that I am authorized to disclose. On the night of July 5, in complete darkness, the Ukrainian army will attempt to attack the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant,” he claimed on Russian television. Ukrainian forces plan to use “precision, long-range weapon systems” and unmanned aerial vehicles.

Europe’s largest nuclear power plant has been under the control of Russian troops that invaded Ukraine since March 4, 2022. Since then it has been at risk from attacks that took place near its facilities, while it was cut off several times from the electricity network. According to Kiev, the Russians maintain military force and weapons inside the facility.

In May, the destruction of the Kakhovka hydroelectric dam, which is in the territory controlled by Russian forces, raised concerns about the reservoir that supplies the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant to cool its six reactors.

On June 22, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russia of preparing a “terrorist attack” by leaking radioactivity from the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant. The Kremlin rejected the accusations, calling the Ukrainian president’s claims “false”.