Russia has been accused of repeatedly launching drones and missiles on flight paths near Ukraine's disused Chernobyl nuclear plant, significantly increasing the risk of a major accident, according to Ukraine's Prosecutor General Ruslan Kravchenko.
Details of the Allegations
Kravchenko detailed previously unreported Russian military activity, noting that both Chernobyl and the Khmelnytskyi nuclear plant have been in the flight path of Russian hypersonic Kinzhal missiles since the 2022 invasion. Thirty-five Kinzhal missiles have been detected within approximately 20 km of these facilities, with 18 passing near both sites on a single flight.
Lack of Military Justification
Kravchenko asserted that these launches lack military justification and are solely intended for intimidation and terror. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has expressed deep concern over military activities near nuclear power plants, with Director General Rafael Grossi repeatedly calling for maximum restraint to prevent a nuclear accident.
In related developments, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called for a summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin to kickstart stalled US-led peace talks, as the war continues to pose risks to nuclear safety.
