Russia is considering attacking the Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant, Volodymyr Zelenskyi says Twitter. Russia is said to have “prepared everything” to use the nuclear power plant in its warfare.
– There is credible information that it is prepared for detonation, including photo evidence that shows large mines around the work, says Joakim Paasikivi, lieutenant colonel.
“A terrorist attack with radioactive emissions. They have prepared everything for it.“ This is how the Ukrainian president describes the current situation. According to him, the sensational statement is based on information from the country’s intelligence service.
Also at the end of last month, Ukraine’s military intelligence stated that Russia is planning to stage a major accident at the occupied nuclear power plant.
– It is not surprising, this type of information has come several times during the war from both sides. What is worrying in this situation is that Russia controls the nuclear power plant and that the fighting is not that far away, says Joakim Paasikivi, lieutenant colonel.
“Complicated situation”
According to Paasikivi, it is difficult to assess whether an actual attack is likely, or whether the mines are rather being used in extortion attempts.
– It is a complicated situation, where nobody has anything to gain from it. It is difficult to assess credibility. The possibility exists, but whether the intention exists I have no idea. That the risk exists is bad enough, he says.
Zelensky writes that he shares the intelligence to warn the world – and condemns the Russian actions.
“There must never be any terrorist attacks against nuclear power plants anywhere,” he writes and concludes:
“The world has been warned, so the world can and must act.”
“Deeply disturbing”
Rolf Porseryd, foreign affairs commentator, says that there is much we currently do not know about the situation, but that the situation surrounding the nuclear power plant has long been critical.
– I imagine that in a worst-case scenario there could be catastrophic consequences, partly for the war, which of course can be stopped in various ways, that Ukraine’s offensive could be stopped, but then it could also spread to other countries if there is enough steeling, says Porseryd.
– There are unforeseen consequences and deeply worrying, continues the foreign affairs commentator.
The Swedish Radiation Safety Authority has not received any information or confirmed information regarding new activity around Zaporizhzhya.