Kyiv/Moscow: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused Russia of striking the Chernobyl nuclear power plant with a drone, raising fresh concerns over nuclear safety in the war-torn region. However, the Kremlin has denied the allegations, dismissing them as “baseless propaganda.”
Zelenskyy stated that the attack posed a serious threat, as the Chernobyl site, infamous for the 1986 nuclear disaster, still houses radioactive waste. “Russia continues to disregard global nuclear safety,” he said, calling for urgent international intervention.
Russian officials, however, refuted the claims, insisting that no such attack took place. “This is yet another attempt by Kyiv to manipulate public opinion,” said Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov.
While independent verification remains pending, the alleged attack has heightened fears of a potential environmental catastrophe. Experts warn that any damage to the containment structures could release hazardous radiation, endangering not only Ukraine but also neighboring countries.
The incident comes amid escalating tensions between Russia and Ukraine, with increased military activity near critical infrastructure. The international community has urged restraint, emphasizing the need to prevent any actions that could worsen the conflict’s nuclear risks.