Medvedev threatens 'new Chernobyl' with nuclear plant attack warnings

Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev escalated rhetoric by threatening attacks on nuclear power plants in Ukraine and NATO countries. Medvedev, now deputy chairman of Russia's Security Council, warned that catastrophic damage to the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, currently under Russian occupation, could lead to a "new Chernobyl."

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If the reactor hall or the machine hall of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant were to be destroyed catastrophically, the world would face a new Chernobyl.

He further suggested that Moscow might retaliate with a "symmetric strike" against Ukrainian nuclear facilities. The former president's statements also implied that nuclear targets within NATO member states could be subject to Russian reprisals. This escalation follows Moscow's accusations that Kyiv had attacked the Zaporizhzhia plant.

Ukraine's military forces vehemently rejected the accusations, labeling them as another disinformation operation by Russia. Southern Defense Forces of Ukraine stated that the claims were a "new informational provocation" and that Russia continues to use the Zaporizhzhia plant for nuclear blackmail and propaganda. They asserted that Ukrainian forces did not attack Reactor No. 6 at the plant.

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Ukraine's Defense Forces did not attack Reactor No. 6 of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. Moscow's claims represent a new informational provocation by the aggressor state.

Ukrainian military representatives argued that Russia's scenario lacked credibility, citing the distance from the front lines to the plant, which they claim is too great for Ukraine's available drone technology. They also pointed out that Russian forces have installed extensive protection systems and smoke screens around the plant, making undetected aerial incursions highly improbable. The military added that Russia has not provided clear evidence of damage and that the alleged scenario is unlikely given the security measures in place.

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After each series of failures or losses on the front, spectacular accusations against Ukraine appear, intended to distract the international public opinion. As usual, the Russian side has not presented any evidence.