Russia spreads fake news about Ukrainian Armed Forces attacking Zaporizhzhia NPP
Photo: Zaporizhia NPP occupied by Russian invaders (Getty Images)
Pro-Russian propaganda Telegram channels are spreading false information about a supposed attack by the Ukrainian military using an explosive device on the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP), which is currently occupied by aggressors, according to the Center for Strategic Communications and Information Security SPRAVDI.
In such fake news, it is claimed that the Ukrainian Defense Forces allegedly placed an explosive device 5 meters away from the fuel storage facility at the site.
The Center explains that the surge of allegations that the Ukrainian Armed Forces are supposedly attempting to provoke an accident at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant was launched "in response to the recent resolution of the IAEA, according to which Russia must urgently return the station under Ukraine's control."
It's also worth noting that since Russian forces seized the plant in spring 2022, the Kremlin has been pushing the message that Ukraine's actions supposedly "could provoke an accident at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant."
The interveners have repeatedly created emergency situations at the plant. Additionally, the Russians are unable to operate and maintain the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in compliance with all safety standards "due to objective technical reasons."
"The fakes about Ukraine allegedly seeking to provoke an accident are needed by Russia to later shift responsibility from themselves to Kyiv," the Center notes, emphasizing the threat of a nuclear accident at the plant due to the actions of the occupiers.
Situation at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant
Europe's largest nuclear power plant was seized by Russian terrorists at the onset of the full-scale invasion. The invaders deployed military equipment on its territory.
During the occupation, the plant was disconnected from Ukraine's power grid several times. Currently, experts from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) are stationed at the plant, rotating periodically.
In February, IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a visit to Kyiv. During the meeting, the Ukrainian leader invited the IAEA Director General to participate in the Global Peace Summit.
Meanwhile, the IAEA Board of Governors urged for the urgent return of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant under full Ukrainian control.
Additionally, on March 8th, IAEA Director General Grossi also discussed the situation at the occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin, calling for military restraint.
