Russia accuses Ukraine of attacking Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant in latest blackmail tactic

The press service of the Center for Countering Disinformation reported the information.

"The Kremlin continues to spread manipulative accusations against Ukraine of 'provoking a man-made disaster' at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant," the Center stated.

The Russian Defense Ministry once again claimed an alleged attack by Ukrainian drones on the nuclear power plant. Specifically, it reported that eight Ukrainian drones supposedly attacked the Zaporizhzhia NPP but were "all destroyed" by Russian air defense systems.

According to the Russians, during the fall of one of the shot-down drones, it allegedly exploded and caused a fire on the roof of the training center at the Zaporizhzhia NPP. However, they claimed there were no casualties or destruction at the plant, and the radiation situation remained normal.

The Center for Countering Disinformation emphasized that with such statements, the Kremlin is trying to shift responsibility for all safety risks stemming from the occupation of the Zaporizhzhia NPP by Russian military forces onto Ukraine. Furthermore, such accusations are part of Russia's nuclear blackmail and intimidation with the threat of a man-made disaster.

"The only real factor of nuclear threat on the territory of Ukraine is the invading Russian forces," the Center concluded.
Earlier, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) recorded loud explosions near the temporarily occupied Zaporizhzhia NPP. This coincided with reports of a drone attack on the plant's training center, as noted by IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi.

He emphasized that the explosions mark yet "another threat to nuclear safety."

According to the IAEA Support and Assistance Mission team, they heard two explosions at around 12:45 p.m. and 3:45 p.m., followed by machine gun fire.

The report notes that these incidents did not affect the ZNPP equipment or its personnel. The explosions occurred outside the training center perimeter.

• On December 20, the temporarily occupied Zaporizhzhia NPP was nearly plunged into a blackout. Russian shelling disconnected one of the two power lines linking the plant to Ukraine's power system.