Russian troops have placed “objects resembling explosives” on roofs at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in a video address Tuesday that instantly sparked concerns around the world.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has long flirted with the nuclear specter since mounting his invasion of Ukraine. Zelensky has now raised the prospect that he may cause a nuclear incident not by firing warheads, but by turning the plant itself into a weapon.
Here's what we know so far.
เว็บพนันยูฟ่าเบทออนไลน์Current status: On Tuesday, Zelensky said his accusation that the Kremlin possibly planted explosives on the roof of the nuclear plant is based on military intelligence.
Analysts have said that Russia may be mounting a false-flag operation, while the Kremlin is claiming potential "sabotage by the Kyiv regime."
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) – the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog – said in an update Wednesday that there were no visible indications of mines or explosives at the plant, but requested additional access to the site for confirmation.
Who has control: Europe's largest nuclear plant is located along the banks of the Dnipro River, next to the town of Enerhodar. It has been under full Russian control since March 2022, but is operated mostly by Ukrainian staff.