Kiev takes path of nuclear terrorism by attacking plant infrastructure — Russian envoy
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Russia's envoy Rodion Miroshnik has escalated rhetoric, accusing Kyiv of "nuclear terrorism" following alleged renewed Ukrainian attacks on vital infrastructure at the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP). This latest charge, made on May 31, 2026, centers on non-reactor facilities critical for the plant's safe operation, threatening catastrophic outcomes beyond the immediate conflict zone. The accusation revives fears over Europe's largest nuclear facility, which has been under Russian control since March 2022 and subject to repeated shelling and drone strikes attributed by both sides to the other. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has maintained a presence at ZNPP, consistently warning of severe risks and advocating for a demilitarized "Protection Zone" around the plant, a proposal yet to be fully implemented amidst ongoing hostilities and deep distrust between Kyiv and Moscow. With the plant's six reactors in cold shutdown, damage to external power lines, cooling systems, or waste storage facilities could still trigger a serious radiological incident. International observers will be closely watching for IAEA updates and any potential independent verification of these latest claims, as the allegations amplify calls for immediate de-escalation and a resolution to the perilous standoff at the ZNPP.