The threat of direct missile strikes on nuclear power plants in Western countries and Ukraine has been issued by the Kremlin as a potential retaliation for any attacks on Russian sites. This warning comes amid allegations made by Moscow that Ukraine used a fibre-optic drone to target the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, an accusation strongly denied by Kyiv.
Located in southeastern Ukraine under Russian control, the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant is one of the largest in Europe. Russian official Dmitry Medvedev, a former Kremlin president and premier, warned of catastrophic consequences similar to Chernobyl in the event of an attack on a nuclear power plant. He suggested the possibility of retaliatory strikes on Ukrainian and NATO-affiliated nuclear power plants.
Accusations were also made by Alexei Likhachev, head of the Russian atomic energy corporation Rosatom, claiming an attack on Zaporizhzhia’s 6th power unit. Ukraine refuted these claims, emphasizing that its Defense Forces did not target the power plant and accusing Russia of engaging in nuclear terrorism to discredit Ukraine.
Medvedev, now serving as Putin’s deputy on the Russian security council, used an AI-generated video to warn about potential Russian drone attacks, implicating Western leaders. The video highlighted recent drone strikes, including one on a high-rise building in Romania. Medvedev emphasized the ongoing conflict and blamed Ukraine and Western leaders for past incidents.
In response, Poland’s premier Donald Tusk urged vigilance against Russian threats, emphasizing the increasing use of drones in provocations near NATO countries. Recent drone attacks by Ukraine on Russian oil facilities have escalated tensions, with reports of fires and explosions in various regions.
As the situation intensifies, the international community is closely monitoring developments in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
