Zelensky: "Russia Plans Terror Attack on Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant"... Russia Calls It "Another Lie"

Volodymyr Zelensky, President of Ukraine, stated on the 22nd (local time) that Russia is preparing a terrorist attack, including radioactive leakage, at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in southern Ukraine.

Volodymyr Zelensky, President of Ukraine / Photo by Yonhap News

According to major foreign media such as AFP, President Zelensky said in a Telegram video statement on the day, "Our intelligence agencies have obtained information that Russia is reviewing a terrorist attack scenario on the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant."

He added, "This would be a terrorist act including radioactive leakage," emphasizing, "They have already completed all preparations." He further expressed concern, saying, "Unfortunately, I cannot help but emphasize once again that radiation knows no borders."

However, President Zelensky did not disclose specific evidence supporting these claims.

On the Russian side, President Zelensky's announcement was dismissed as "another lie." Dmitry Peskov, Kremlin spokesperson, explained during a telephone conference with reporters on the day, "The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspection team recently visited the nuclear power plant," adding, "We received very high evaluations from the IAEA."

The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, the largest nuclear power plant in Europe, was occupied by Russia in March last year, shortly after Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Since then, shelling and military activities have continued in the area, raising concerns about a nuclear accident. Recently, the destruction of the Kakhovka Dam in southern Ukraine due to an explosion and the lowering of the reservoir water level that supplies cooling water to the nuclear power plant have increased the risks.

Meanwhile, Rafael Grossi, IAEA Director General, visited the nuclear power plant on the 15th and after inspecting the site, said, "The situation is serious, but the cooling water level is sufficient," and "A series of measures to stabilize the situation have been implemented." The IAEA international inspection team will remain at the nuclear power plant to continue monitoring the situation.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.