Dmitry Medvedev, serving as Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, stated that a Telegram channel reported a possible strike on the Smolensk Desnogorsk nuclear power plant using NATO projectiles. He noted that if such strikes were approved, it would be prudent to examine the scenario of Russia launching a coordinated counterstrike against nuclear facilities in Eastern Europe, as well as against Ukraine’s southern nuclear sites, with Rivne and Khmelnytsky NPPs mentioned as potential targets. He added that there was nothing to be ashamed of in considering such a response.
Earlier reports from Mash, a Telegram channel, claimed that Ukrainian forces attempted to attack the Desnogorsk nuclear power plant in the Smolensk region. It was also reported that the Armed Forces of Ukraine had tried to strike a military airfield in Kaluga region. These claims contributed to an atmosphere of heightened tensions and questions about regional security and escalation dynamics.
On February 24, 2022, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the decision to initiate a military operation in Ukraine, a move described by Moscow as a special operation in response to requests for assistance from the leaders of the LPR and DPR. That decision led to a cascade of sanctions from the United States and its allies, further shaping the geopolitical landscape and the risk calculus around potential military actions in the region.
Historically, discussions about nuclear security and defense have grown more urgent in light of evolving conflicts. In this context, some physicists have explored theoretical scenarios about where a nuclear event might be least detectable or easiest to conceal, a topic that underscores the importance of robust crisis management, international law, and the prevention of escalation. The conversation reflects a broader concern with nuclear safety, deterrence, and the implications of any use of force near critical energy infrastructure. The energy sector remains a focal point for strategic stability, with analysts repeatedly emphasizing the need for open channels of communication, verification mechanisms, and adherence to nonproliferation norms to prevent misinterpretation and miscalculation in tense moments. [Attribution: sources cited in public briefings and open-channel reports]]