The reported number of attempted assaults targeting the Zaporozhye nuclear complex in Energodar has fallen noticeably. This assessment comes from Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov, who leads the radiation, chemical and biological protection troops of the Russian Armed Forces, during an interview published in a major newspaper. The message is clear: the intensity of shelling and actions aimed at disrupting the plant’s operation has diminished since the early days of the current military operation.
Kirillov noted that during this period of relative quiet, only reconnaissance drones have been detected and intercepted. He underscored the seriousness of any security breach at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, warning that even a single lapse could cause radiation leaks, contaminate water sources and soils, and spread contamination through the atmosphere. He stressed that actions intended to destabilize nuclear power plant operations amount to a form of nuclear terrorism and must be treated with the utmost gravity.
In sharp terms, Kirillov described the broader implications of a breach, highlighting the potential for long-term environmental damage and health risks for nearby populations. The head of the RCBZ troops drew attention to the chain of consequences that would follow such an incident, including the possible need for emergency response measures, the management of contaminated areas, and the international repercussions that would arise from a major accident at a facility of this scale. He called for vigilance and strict adherence to safety protocols as the situation evolves. [Source: RCBZ Troops, interview summary]
On 5 November, Mikhail Ulyanov, Russia’s permanent representative to international organizations in Vienna, accused Ukrainian forces of targeting residential areas in Energodar. This accusation adds a new layer to the ongoing dispute over responsibility for attacks around the site. The succession of statements reflects the heightened tensions surrounding the plant and the contested interpretations of incidents reported from the region. [Source: Official statements and briefings from international representatives]
Earlier assessments in Kyiv and other Ukrainian authorities have weighed the potential consequences of any serious incident at the Zaporizhzhia plant. Discussions have focused on risk mitigation, evacuation planning, and the broader impact on regional energy supply and environmental safety. The dialogue around safety remains central to both humanitarian concerns and strategic calculations in the area. [Source: International briefings and safety analyses]