Nuclear blackmail: Ukraine denies Russian accusations over Zaporizhzhia plant
Russia has once again provided no evidence of the alleged attack (photo: Getty Images)
On Saturday, May 30, Russia spread a false claim alleging that Ukraine had struck a power unit at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. However, Ukrainian officials say the allegation is another attempt to discredit Ukraine and cover up Russia's own actions, according to Ukraine's Operation Task Force South.
"The Defense Forces of Ukraine did not strike Unit 6 of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant. Ukrainian servicemembers act strictly within the international humanitarian law and fully understand the consequences of any actions involving nuclear facilities," the statement said.
The military noted that since March 2022, Russia has illegally maintained military control over the plant, effectively turning a civilian nuclear facility into an element of military infrastructure.
According to the statement, Russian forces have violated restrictions on deploying military assets within a 5-kilometer zone around the plant and have stationed electronic warfare systems, weapons, military equipment, and personnel on its grounds.
The unit also said that Russia continues to use the plant as a tool of nuclear blackmail and information provocations.
"Systematic manipulation of nuclear safety issues is part of the policy of nuclear terrorism that Russia is carrying out against Ukraine and the international community. Claims by the Russian side that Ukraine's Defense Forces struck Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant are another information provocation by the aggressor state, as this is far from the first such allegation made by Moscow," the statement said.
The military emphasized that this is a familiar Russian tactic. Following setbacks on the battlefield, Moscow often makes sensational accusations against Ukraine in an effort to shift the attention of the international community.
As usual, Russia has provided no evidence to support its claims, and today's allegation is no exception.
What evidence contradicts Russia's account?
The military stressed that the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant is located about 50 kilometers from the nearest section of the front line. At the same time, Nikopol — the closest city on territory controlled by Ukraine — lies on the opposite side of the former Kakhovka Reservoir and is at least 10 kilometers away from the plant.
In addition, the Ukrainian Armed Forces do not possess fiber-optic-controlled drones with the range required to reach the site. Nor do they operate drones carrying 5–6 kilogram shaped-charge warheads, which would reportedly be necessary to create the kind of damage Russia claims occurred.
"Furthermore, the occupying forces have established a multilayered smoke-screen defense around the plant. It would have been physically impossible to pass through it undetected. The version promoted by Russia does not withstand factual scrutiny," the statement said.
The unit stressed that the Ukrainian military operates in accordance with international humanitarian law and adheres to the Geneva Conventions, which prohibit attacks on nuclear facilities.
They also noted that there was no combat activity in the relevant sector of the front at the time of the alleged incident and that no strike systems were used there.
The military further pointed out that Russia has deliberately refrained from releasing clear photos or video footage allegedly showing the aftermath of the strike.
The State Nuclear Regulatory Inspectorate of Ukraine said that International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) experts stationed at the Zaporizhzhia plant as part of the agency's permanent monitoring mission should verify the information that has been circulated and report the results of their assessment.
"For an objective evaluation, the occupation administration must provide international experts with full access to the turbine hall of Unit 6," the regulator said.
The agency also noted that no changes in radiation levels have been detected in the area around the plant.
Other incidents
Earlier this week, IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi said that on May 27, the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant experienced its longest communications outage since the start of the war.
According to Grossi, the plant was without fixed-line telephone service and internet connection for about 12 hours. The disruption coincided with reports of increased military activity near Enerhodar.
The IAEA also reported that on May 3, a drone struck the external radiation control laboratory. The facility is located outside the plant perimeter, though it remains unclear whether the laboratory sustained any damage.
