On May 30, Russian sources circulated allegations that Ukraine had struck the sixth reactor block of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP). Ukrainian officials have characterized these claims as disinformation intended to undermine Ukraine’s credibility and obscure Russia’s own actions.
The Ukrainian Defense Forces firmly stated, “Ukrainian military personnel have not targeted the sixth reactor block of the Zaporizhzhia NPP. Our operations are conducted in accordance with international humanitarian law, and we are fully aware of the consequences of any actions involving nuclear facilities.” This assertion comes in the context of Russia’s military occupation of the ZNPP since March 2022, during which it has reportedly transformed the civilian nuclear site into a military asset.
Ukrainian military sources highlighted that Russian forces have violated protocols by positioning military equipment and personnel within a five-kilometer radius of the plant. They also accused Russia of using the ZNPP as a means of nuclear intimidation and as a platform for information warfare.
“Systematic manipulation of nuclear safety issues is part of Russia’s policy of nuclear terrorism against Ukraine and the international community. The claims made by Russia regarding an alleged strike by Ukrainian forces on the ZNPP are yet another act of disinformation from an aggressor state, as this is not the first such allegation from Moscow,” the statement read.
The military further noted a pattern in Russia’s tactics, suggesting that following setbacks on the battlefield, Russia often issues loud accusations against Ukraine to divert international attention. They emphasized that no evidence has been provided to substantiate these claims, and the recent allegations follow this trend.
To counter the Russian narrative, Ukrainian military officials pointed out that the ZNPP is located approximately 50 kilometers from the nearest frontline, with Nikopol, the closest city under Ukrainian control, situated across the Kakhovka Reservoir and at least 10 kilometers from the plant. They also indicated that the Ukrainian military lacks drones capable of operating at such distances or carrying the necessary payload to create the damage described by Russian sources.
Additionally, they mentioned that Russian forces have established multi-layered smoke screens around the ZNPP, making it physically impossible for an aircraft to penetrate unnoticed. The version of events promoted by Russia, according to the Ukrainian military, does not withstand factual scrutiny.
Ukrainian forces reiterated their commitment to international humanitarian law and adherence to the Geneva Conventions, which prohibit strikes on nuclear facilities. They asserted that there were no hostilities in the area at the time of the alleged incident, and no weapons were deployed.
The military also criticized Russia for failing to provide credible photographic or video evidence of the purported attack’s aftermath.
In a related development, the State Nuclear Regulatory Inspectorate of Ukraine announced that experts from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), currently stationed at the ZNPP as part of a continuous monitoring mission, are expected to verify the circulated information and report their findings. The agency emphasized that the occupying administration must grant international experts full access to the machine hall of reactor block number six for an objective assessment.
Furthermore, the Nuclear Regulatory Authority confirmed that there have been no observed changes in the radiation levels in the vicinity of the ZNPP.
Ukrainian officials have dismissed Russian claims of an attack on the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant as disinformation. They emphasize adherence to international law and highlight the lack of evidence supporting Russia's allegations.