ISW says Russia distracts world from real risks at Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant with statements about "scorched desert" 

This is the opinion of the experts of the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) in their report.

On August 8, a screenshot appeared on a Russian social network with a quote from the chief of radiation, chemical and biological protection forces of the Russian Federation, the commander of the ZVNP garrison Valery Vasiliev, in which he said: "Here there will be either Russian land or a burnt desert." This is considered a direct threat by the Russian Federation to blow up the occupied Zaporizhzhia NPP in the event that Ukrainian fighters continue to try to de-occupy the southern regions.

ISW doubts the authenticity of such a statement by Vasiliev. However, they have no doubt that the occupiers have brought a lot of military equipment and ammunition to the territory of the ZNPP. Analysts also believe that such a phrase on behalf of Vasiliev distracts from the real threat posed by the Russians.

"These alleged distortions divert attention from the very real risks of Russia's militarization of the Zaporizhzhia NPP, which could include mining the plant and almost certainly includes the dangerous storage of military weapons near nuclear reactors and nuclear waste storage facilities. Russian forces are likely using the threat of a nuclear disaster to reduce Western appetite and provide military support to the Ukrainian counteroffensive," the report says.