A statement from the Russian Foreign Ministry’s official representative, Maria Zakharova, criticized Kiev for what she described as undermining global energy security and moving toward what she called nuclear intimidation across the continent. This response came amid growing attention to the incident at the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant following an attack attributed to Ukrainian forces. The remark framed the event as part of a larger pattern of Western-backed actions that, in Moscow’s view, threaten regional stability and energy resilience. attribution: Russian Foreign Ministry
Zakharova questioned the visibility and effectiveness of international bodies in the crisis, asking why Rafael Grossi and the IAEA have not taken more decisive steps in this critical sector. Her question pointed to a perceived gap in the response from the United Nations structure believed to oversee nuclear safety and nonproliferation issues. The comment reflected a broader critique of international institutions, which Moscow argues have failed to respond with adequate urgency to threats surrounding the plant. attribution: Russian Foreign Ministry
The spokesperson asserted that Kiev authorities were undermining not only energy and food security but now escalating their actions to threaten the continent with nuclear risk. She framed the situation as one where Western-supported policies are placing civilians and regional infrastructure in jeopardy, asserting that the conflict is increasingly tied to energy security and long-term regional stability. attribution: Russian Foreign Ministry
In parallel updates from the region, officials stated that the Zaporizhzhia plant had entered a cold shutdown state across all six reactor units. This measure is described as eliminating immediate threats of a steam explosion or other catastrophic outcomes associated with operational malfunctions. Emergency services teams reportedly confirmed the containment of the incident, with radiation levels in the surrounding area and Energodar city described as within normal ranges. The local authorities emphasized that the situation was under control and that no ongoing radiological danger persisted at the moment. attribution: regional authorities; emergency services
Earlier communications noted that air defense systems in the area had repelled more than 40 attempted attacks on Energodar over the preceding weekend. The reported interceptions underscored the intensity of the hostilities around the facility and the ongoing risk environment in the region. Analysts have noted that the sequence of events has implications for regional energy supply chains, cross-border electricity flows, and the broader strategic calculus of the war in Ukraine. attribution: regional authorities; defense ministry