MOSCOW: Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Friday raised concerns over Ukraine’s handling of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, accusing Kyiv of engaging in a dangerous game and spreading “pure lies” regarding Moscow’s alleged plans to sabotage the facility. The plant, Europe’s largest, is located in southern Ukraine but is currently under the control of Russian forces.
In a statement, Lavrov emphasized that the United Nations’ atomic energy agency has repeatedly urged both sides to refrain from shelling in the vicinity of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant due to the potential risks involved. However, he claimed that Ukraine has made statements suggesting that Russia intends to blow up the facility, which he dismissed as baseless accusations and deliberate misinformation.
Russia Criticizes Ukraine’s Provocative Actions
Expressing Russia’s serious concerns, Lavrov criticized Ukraine’s provocative actions in the region. He urged Kyiv to exercise caution and refrain from engaging in activities that could further escalate tensions surrounding the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant.
The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine has created a volatile situation, with the Zaporizhzhia plant being a significant point of contention. Despite being situated in Ukraine’s territory, the control of the plant has shifted to Russian forces, leading to heightened international concerns over the potential risks associated with the plant’s security and safety.
