Russia accuses Ukraine of planning ‘catastrophic’ attack on Zaporizhia | world news

The Kremlin claimed that there was “a great risk of sabotage” at the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant, which “could have catastrophic consequences”.

Russia and Ukraine again accused each other of planning an attack on Europe’s largest power plant as tensions around the plant rose on Tuesday.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned that Moscow’s troops may have planted explosives on the roof, which could have been due to Ukrainian shelling after detonation.

But Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed the claims, saying measures were being taken to counter the threat posed by the “Kiev regime”.

“The situation is quite tense because there is actually a great threat of sabotage by the Kiev regime, which could have catastrophic consequences,” he said.

“The Kiev regime has repeatedly shown its willingness to do anything. Therefore, all measures will be taken to counter such a threat.”

He did not provide evidence for his claims.

Russian troops took control of the Zaporizhia plant last year, shortly after Vladimir Putin launched his “special military operation” in Ukraine.

Since then, both sides have regularly accused the other of shelling the nuclear power plant and risking a major nuclear incident.

When the danger of an accident at the plant first arose last year, Ukraine set up a crisis response headquarters.

Recently, rescue workers took part in drills to prepare for a possible radiation leak.

The footage showed rescuers in yellow and white protective gear and gas masks checking cars and trucks for radiation levels with dosimeters and then cleaning the wheels before the vehicles were subjected to further decontamination at special washing stations. A man was taken to a medical tent on a stretcher as sirens wailed.

According to the emergency services, in the event of a nuclear disaster at the power plant, about 300,000 people would be evacuated from the areas closest to the plant.

This includes four regions: Dnipropetrovsk, Kherson, Zaporizhia and Mykolaiv. The evacuation would be mandatory.

According to the services, those forced to flee are allowed to bring their pets with them. Buses, trains and private cars would be used to evacuate the affected area.

A leaflet circulated online lists what to pack when evacuating from a radiation area.

Items recommended for packing include:

• Important documents and copies thereof (e.g. ID card, passport)
• face mask or respirator
• A first aid kit and a week’s supply of essential medicines
• wet wipes
• Change of clothes and shoes
• A minimum supply of food and water, which must be in sealed packaging

Then it says: “Tightly wrap your suitcase or backpack with cling film or tape.” This will definitely facilitate the process of their deactivation in the sanitary facilities.”

Depending on wind direction and radiation spread, people would be moved to safer areas within Ukraine.

“There are different scenarios, but we are preparing for the most critical one,” said Yuriy Vlasenko, Ukraine’s Deputy Energy Minister.

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MORE: Zelenskyy claims Russia planted ‘explosives’ at Zaporizhia nuclear power plant

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