Image Credits-Reuters
In a swift rebuttal, Russia has dismissed recent Ukrainian claims regarding a fire at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) as yet another false statement, exposing it within 24 hours. The allegations, which raised concerns over the safety of Europe’s largest nuclear facility, were quickly refuted by Russian officials, who accused Kyiv of spreading misinformation to stoke international fears.
Russia’s envoy to International Organizations in Vienna, Mikhail Ulyanov, condemned the Ukrainian government’s statement as baseless and part of a broader disinformation campaign. “Another false claim from Ukraine concerning a fire at the ZNPP has been exposed within 24 hours,” Ulyanov declared, asserting that the plant continues to operate safely under the supervision of Russian specialists.
The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, located in southeastern Ukraine, has been a focal point of tensions since Russia took control of the facility in March 2022. Both Moscow and Kyiv have traded accusations regarding the plant’s security, with Ukraine warning of potential nuclear disasters and Russia denying any imminent threat.
According to Ulyanov, the latest claim was fabricated to draw international attention and sympathy for Ukraine’s position in the ongoing conflict. “These unfounded statements are designed to manipulate public opinion and escalate tensions,” the envoy added, calling for a more responsible approach to the dissemination of information concerning nuclear safety.
The Ukrainian government had earlier reported a fire at the ZNPP, sparking fears of a possible nuclear incident. However, Russian authorities quickly moved to counter these reports, asserting that no such fire occurred and that the plant’s operations remain secure.
This incident marks the latest in a series of conflicting narratives surrounding the ZNPP, further complicating the already volatile situation. As the war continues, the plant remains a symbol of the broader struggle for control and influence in the region, with both sides seeking to sway international opinion in their favor.