Russian officials have accused Kiev of planning a potential attack on the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, warning that any such strike could have global repercussions. The claim was voiced by Maria Zakharova, the spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, who directly attributed the alleged plan to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Kyiv’s leadership.
The spokesperson argued that a strike at Zaporizhzhia would not be contained to a single region. She stated that the consequences would ripple through the atmosphere, the world’s oceans, and even agricultural supply chains, ultimately affecting air quality, water resources, and food security around the planet.
Additionally, Renat Karchaa, a former advisor to the president of Rosenergoatom, spoke to concerns about potential provocations at the Zaporizhzhia plant and suggested that Ukraine’s armed forces could employ a Tochka-U ballistic missile armed with a radioactive waste payload. He noted that such a payload had previously been removed from Southern Ukraine’s nuclear facility on July 3 by Ukrainian units.
Earlier, Ukraine’s Ministry of Health issued guidance for potential fallout scenarios in the event of an explosion at Zaporizhzhia, outlining health precautions and response measures.
The situation has sparked international discussion about nuclear safety, risk assessment, and the responsibilities of neighboring states during ongoing tensions. Analysts in Canada and the United States continue to monitor developments, emphasizing the importance of verified information, transparent communication, and preparedness for emergency situations involving critical energy infrastructure.