Statement by Dmitry Medvedev
Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chair of Russia's Security Council, has warned that Moscow could launch symmetrical attacks on nuclear power plants in Ukraine and NATO member states if a catastrophic destruction of a turbine hall or reactor building occurs. His remarks came in response to allegations from Rosatom CEO Alexey Likhachev, who on May 30 claimed that a Ukrainian drone struck the roof of the turbine hall at unit six of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. Likhachev noted that the facility's equipment was not damaged.
'If a turbine hall or reactor building of a nuclear power plant is catastrophically destroyed, a new Chernobyl will happen. And that is no better than using tactical nuclear weapons. The response to such actions could be a symmetrical strike on Ukrainian nuclear plants, as well as on nuclear plants in NATO countries involved in the conflict.' Dmitry Medvedev
Ukraine's Armed Forces have categorically denied these accusations, stressing that they did not shell the Zaporizhzhia plant. The Southern Defense Forces called the claims another information provocation. They pointed out that no active combat operations were taking place in that section of the front at the time of the alleged incident. Furthermore, Ukrainian military officials stated that their arsenal does not include fiber-optic-controlled drones capable of such an attack, nor drones with a 5–6 kg shaped charge warhead.
Situation Surrounding the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant
The Russian side has not provided high-quality photos or video evidence of the alleged strike's aftermath. It is also worth noting that the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant has been under occupation since the start of the full-scale invasion and has not generated electricity for over three years. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has warned of an increased risk of a nuclear disaster due to the situation at the Zaporizhzhia plant, underscoring the critical importance of nuclear facility safety in the region.
The ongoing tensions around the Zaporizhzhia plant highlight the broader security challenges in the region, particularly concerning the safety of nuclear sites. Ukraine's military response to Russia's allegations reflects efforts to avoid escalation. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, as any further deterioration could have severe consequences not only for Ukraine but also for neighboring countries. Nuclear safety remains a critical issue amid the ongoing war.
As tensions escalate around the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, it is crucial to consider the broader implications of drone activity in the region. Recent reports indicate that the IAEA has detected over 160 drones near Ukrainian nuclear facilities, raising concerns about potential threats to nuclear safety. For more details on this alarming situation, see how these developments may impact the security of nuclear sites in Ukraine and beyond, as outlined in our latest coverage regarding drone activity near nuclear plants.