Kyiv has accused Moscow of spreading false information about an attack on Europe’s largest nuclear plant in order to escalate tensions. The Kremlin has claimed that Ukraine conducted dangerous drone attacks on the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, allegations that Kyiv has dismissed as fake news.
Russian spokesperson Dmitry Peskov labeled the incident as a “dangerous provocation” and criticized Ukraine for its supposed terrorist activities. However, Kyiv has denied any involvement in the attacks on the plant and has accused Moscow of spreading misinformation to fuel further tension.
Lieutenant Andriy Kovalenko, head of Ukraine’s Center for Countering Disinformation, has stated that Russia is engaging in a campaign of provocation and spreading false information about the nuclear facility. The plant, located in southern Ukraine, is currently occupied by Russian forces since the start of the 2022 invasion.
Despite claims from Russia that Ukraine conducted drone strikes on the plant, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has confirmed that the attacks did not compromise nuclear safety. Rosatom, Russia’s nuclear agency, has called on Western nations and the IAEA to condemn the attempts to escalate the situation at the facility.
Ukrainian Ministry of Defence’s main directorate of intelligence spokesperson Andriy Yusov has accused Russia of carrying out simulated strikes on the power station and then blaming Ukraine for the attacks. The situation surrounding the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant remains tense as accusations and misinformation continue to circulate.