The Latest: Russia Accuses Ukraine of Attempted Attack on Kursk Nuclear Power Station
In a shocking turn of events, Russia has accused Ukraine of attempting to attack the Kursk nuclear power station, labeling it as an act of “nuclear terrorism”. This accusation comes just days before the head of the U.N. atomic watchdog is set to visit the site.
The Ukrainian defence ministry has yet to respond to these allegations, marking the second time Moscow has made such claims in just two days. The Kursk nuclear plant, located in western Russia, has been at the center of fierce fighting since Ukrainian forces launched a surprise incursion on Aug. 6.
According to Russian state news agency TASS, an unnamed source reported that a drone was shot down near a storage facility for spent nuclear fuel. However, Reuters was unable to independently verify the details of this alleged incident.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova described the incident as an “act of nuclear terrorism” and called for immediate action from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The head of the IAEA, Rafael Grossi, is scheduled to visit the power station next week and has urged for maximum restraint to prevent a potential nuclear disaster.
Russian President Vladimir Putin initially accused Ukraine of attempting to attack the facility on Thursday, informing the IAEA of the situation. However, he did not provide any evidence to support these claims.
The ongoing conflict around the Kursk nuclear plant has raised concerns, as fierce fighting continues approximately 30 km (18 miles) from the site. The plant, which has four reactors with two currently operational, has been a focal point of the conflict.
Russian state nuclear firm Rosenergoatom announced that unit number 4 at the plant will undergo scheduled preventive maintenance for 59 days, beginning on Sunday. This maintenance will involve modernization and extending the service life of equipment.
Analysis: The escalating tensions between Russia and Ukraine have put the international community on high alert, particularly in regards to the safety of nuclear facilities. Any potential threat to a nuclear power station could have catastrophic consequences, impacting not only the immediate area but potentially causing widespread environmental and health risks. It is crucial for all parties involved to exercise caution and prioritize peaceful resolutions to avoid any further escalation of the situation.