Kiev - Moscow, mutual accusations of a possible attack on the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant

2023-07-05 17:23:04, Kosova & Bota CNA

Kiev - Moscow, mutual accusations of a possible attack on the Zaporizhia nuclear

Russia and Ukraine are accusing each other of plotting to stage an attack on the Zaporizhia nuclear power station. The area is under the control of Russian forces and the subject of ongoing mutual accusations between the two countries, increasing the risk of a nuclear catastrophe. Experts from the International Nuclear Energy Agency said today that they had seen no signs of mines or other explosives being planted at the nuclear complex, but added that they would seek permission for more detailed checks, especially on the roofs of reactors 3 and 4, as and in the areas where the turbines and cooling systems of the power plants are located.

The region of Zaporizhia was taken under the control of Russian forces from the first days when Moscow launched its aggression against Ukraine in February 2022. The largest nuclear facility in Europe with six reactors is also located in this area.

Referring to reports from intelligence agencies, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said yesterday that Russian forces had placed "explosive-like objects" on some of the power plants to create the idea of ??an attack and blame it on Ukraine. "The objects are on the roof of power stations 3 and 4. Their explosion will not damage the power stations, but it may create the impression of a bombing from Ukraine", the General Staff of the Ukrainian army said in a statement today.

Ukrainian President Volodmyr Zelensky wrote on Tuesday on the Twitter social network that he had told French President Emmanuel Macron in a telephone conversation that "Russian occupation troops are preparing dangerous provocations in Zaporizhia".

Moscow, for its part, accused Ukraine today of the possibility of an attack on Zaporizhia.

"The threat of some kind of Ukrainian sabotage against the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant is great, and measures are being taken to counter such a threat," the Kremlin said on Wednesday.

Neither side has so far provided evidence for their claims, but mutual accusations have been made regularly over the past year.

On August 5 of last year, a huge fire broke out near the Zaporizhia nuclear plant.

"The invaders bombed the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant twice in one day. This is an open flagrant crime, a terrorist attack," Ukrainian President Zelensky said on August 5, 2022.

On August 27, the spokesman of the Ministry of Defense of Russia accused Ukraine of three attacks.

"The Kiev regime continues acts of nuclear terrorism at the Zaporizhzhia plant. A total of 17 missiles were launched," said the spokesman of the Russian Ministry of Defense, Igor Knashenkov.

A team from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) departed on August 31 from the Ukrainian capital to the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant to inspect the site. The mission was led by the head of the Agency, Rafael Grossi. However, fighting and attacks continued, while the United Nations proposed the creation of a demilitarized zone.

"As a first step, Russian and Ukrainian forces should not engage in any military activity towards the plant area. The second step is to secure an agreement on a demilitarized perimeter," said UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres.

The proposal was accepted by Ukrainian President Zelensky, but requiring Russian troops to leave the area entirely. Russian President Vladimir Putin, however, continued to accuse Ukrainian forces of carrying out attacks in Zaporizhia.

"The International Atomic Energy Agency cannot say that the bombings come from Ukrainian territory due to the pressure of the countries where they work. But this is clear as we check the area; our soldiers are there and to think that we are shooting ourselves is complete absurdity," President Putin said on September 7, 2022.

One of the last statements of the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Rafael Grossi, does not offer optimism that the situation is improving.

"I think that in general the situation is not improving. It is clear that military activity is increasing throughout the region," IAEA Director Rafael Grossi said on March 23.

On September 26, Russia held a referendum on the union of four occupied Ukrainian regions, including Zaporizhia, with Russia. Moscow later ratified the annexation of Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk and Zaporizhzhia regions based on the outcome of referendums not recognized by the West.

Last week, Ukrainian emergency service workers conducted a drill to prepare for the risk of radiation from the nuclear plant. According to the country's Emergency Service, in the event of a nuclear disaster, at least 300,000 people should be evacuated from the area around the Zaporizhia plant.

Ukrainian officials say the reactors, which are now shut down, are surrounded by thick layers of concrete.

The International Institute for Strategic Studies said last week that "a Russian attack on Zaporizhia would probably not lead to the widespread release of significant amounts of radiation" because of the precautionary steps taken by the International Atomic Energy Agency.

However, the expert group noted that the wind could carry some radiation towards Russia. / VOA