Zelenskyy warns of possible Russian sabotage at nuclear plant

A Russian serviceman guards the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in in southeastern Ukraine in May 2022. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Russia has placed devices that look like explosives on top of reactors at the plant. He says Russia may carry out sabotage and blame Ukraine. Russia, in turn, says Ukraine is planning to attack the plant.

AP

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russian forces have placed devices resembling explosives on the roofs of nuclear reactors at a power plant they control in southeastern Ukraine.

Zelenskyy made the alarming claim in his nightly video address late Tuesday, adding that he believes the Russians may soon sabotage the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant and blame Ukraine.

“We have information from our intelligence that the Russian military has placed objects similar to explosives on the roof of several power units,” Zelenskyy said.

“Perhaps to simulate an attack on the plant. Perhaps they have some other scenario,” he added. “But in any case, the world sees — and cannot help but see — that the only source of danger to the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant is Russia, and no one else.”

The Zaporizhzhia plant is one of the largest in Europe with six nuclear reactors. Ukrainian officials say the possible explosive devices have been placed on top of the number 3 and number 4 reactors.

Russia, in turn, claims Ukraine is planning military action against the nuclear facility.

Russia’s RIA Novosti news agency alleged Ukraine was planning to hit the plant with a “warhead stuffed with nuclear waste.”

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov on Wednesday warned of “catastrophic…