Russia’s future steps on ZNPP will depend on West's reaction to Kakhovka HPP destruction - expert on security relations Honchar

He shared his opinions on Espreso TV.

"Unlike Russia’s previous warnings to use nuclear weapons, which remained threats, it is now resorting to a nuclear scenario, but without using a tactical nuclear weapon. They are very carefully monitoring the world's reaction to the destruction of the Kakhovka HPP. The Kremlin will determine how to proceed based on the world's reaction. That’s why they have decided to raise the stakes and orchestrated the destruction of the Kakhovka HPP," Honchar explained.

The expert believes that Russia's intention in escalating the situation is to pressure the West into withdrawing its support for Ukraine.

"Russia has started to raise the stakes. This is primarily aimed at us, but also at our partners. The main goal of the Russians is to change the West's views on supporting Ukraine. And, as a result, discussions on Ukraine's NATO membership have resumed," he added.

• On the night of June 6, Russian troops blew up the Kakhovka dam (follow the detailed course of events here). Energoatom stated that the destruction of the Kakhovka HPP could have negative consequences for the ZNPP, but the situation is currently under control. 

• On June 7, the mayor's office of Enerhodar noted that residents should leave the city, as the situation at ZNPP could get out of control at any time.

• Previously, the IAEA said that if the rate of water level drop continues, the plant will not be able to pump water from the Kakhovka reservoir in two days.

• On the evening of June 8, the head of Ukrhydroenergo, Ihor Syrota, announced that the water level in the Kakhovka reservoir had reached a point 12.5 meters, dropping below the "dead point," where water intake becomes impossible.