Putin Threatens Strikes on Ukrainian Nuclear Plants Amid Zaporizhzhia Crisis

Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a grave warning, threatening to launch strikes on Ukrainian nuclear power plants. Speaking on October 2, Putin framed this potential escalation as a “mirror response,” alleging unproven Ukrainian attacks near the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, which has been under Russian occupation since March 2022.

His comments intensify concerns surrounding the Zaporizhzhia facility, Europe’s largest nuclear power station, which has been disconnected from the Ukrainian electricity grid for over a week. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described the situation as “critical” on September 30, with diesel generators struggling to maintain power, one reportedly having failed.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha stated on October 2 that Russia deliberately cut power to Zaporizhzhia, accusing Moscow of preparing to connect the plant to its own energy system. Sybiha warned that Russia’s actions are not only a “lethal risk” but also pave the way toward a “catastrophe.” Meanwhile, Putin maintains that the situation at the plant is “under control.”

Kyiv continues to demand the withdrawal of Russian forces from Zaporizhzhia and the establishment of a demilitarized zone, a proposal consistently rejected by Russia. This latest threat follows prior Russian attacks that have endangered Ukrainian nuclear infrastructure, including a drone strike that damaged the New Safe Confinement over Chornobyl’s destroyed reactor in February.

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