CPJ warns of possible Russian provocation at ZNPP: what is known
6 November 21:38
The Center for Countering Disinformation at the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine has said that Russia may be preparing a provocation at the Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant (ZNPP), "Komersant Ukrainian" reports.
According to the CPD, the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service released a statement accusing the West of allegedly intending to “hold Moscow responsible” for a possible accident at the plant.
Russian intelligence also claims that NATO “calls on Kyiv to carry out a sabotage at ZNPP” with casualties among Ukrainians and EU citizens.
The Ukrainian Center for Countering Disinformation emphasizes that such statements have nothing to do with reality and may be a cover for Russia’s own actions.
This is not the first time Russian special services have spread such information
The Center reminds that earlier, the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service accused Ukraine and the West of preparing terrorist attacks, sabotage of pipelines and attacks on European infrastructure.
None of these “warnings” have come true. Experts see such statements as an attempt to create an information cover in case Russia itself carries out a terrorist attack or provocation, and to shift the blame in advance.
Control and risks
The ZNPP has remained under the full control of the Russian military since the spring of 2022.
Russia has deployed equipment on its territory, uses the plant as a shelter for shelling, and exerts pressure on Ukrainian personnel.
Ukraine has repeatedly emphasized that it is Russia that is fully responsible for the nuclear safety of ZNPP, and international organizations, including the IAEA, regularly call on Moscow to withdraw its troops from the plant.
As a reminder, since September 23, Zaporizhzhia NPP has been in blackout mode for almost a month due to damage to power lines caused by Russian attacks.
Analysts note that Russia’s information operations around ZNPP have two goals:
- To discredit Ukraine in the eyes of international partners by creating the image of a “dangerous” ally.
- To intimidatethe population of the EU and Ukraine by fueling fear of a nuclear disaster.
The statements of Russian intelligence may be preparations for a new round of escalation, both in the military and information spheres.
