Head of the Main Intelligence Directorate, Kyrylo Budanov, admits that there is a threat of sabotage or an accident at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, as the occupiers have additionally mined the cooling system.

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Budanov’s exact words were: “Unfortunately, currently there is indeed a certain threat (of sabotage or accident). A certain threat. Because the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, both then and now, is under temporary control of the occupation forces.”

According to him, firstly, by destroying the dam of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Station, the Russians disrupted the normal water supply to the cooling systems that operate at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant.

And secondly, during the time that the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant has been under the control of the occupiers, it has been additionally mined. In particular, the cooling system has been mined.

“If they disable it (the cooling system) by means of an explosion, there is a high probability that significant problems will arise,” Budanov emphasized.

1 billion people

Former Chairman of the State Nuclear Regulatory Inspectorate of Ukraine, Hryhoriy Plachkov, has stated that in the event of a power and water shortage at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (Zaporizhzhia NPP), the fuel rods would start to melt, followed by the melting of the reactor’s active zone. This potential accident could affect 40 countries worldwide.

Plachkov’s statement raises concerns about the safety and stability of the Zaporizhzhia NPP. The loss of electricity and water supply is a critical scenario that could lead to the overheating and melting of the nuclear fuel, causing a severe accident and the release of radioactive materials.

The implications of such an accident reaching multiple countries highlight the importance of maintaining strict safety standards and ensuring the reliable operation of nuclear power plants. It underscores the need for effective emergency response measures, international cooperation, and continuous monitoring and regulation of nuclear facilities to prevent such catastrophic events and minimize their potential impact.

Plachkov noted that the consequences of an accident at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant could affect 1 billion people. However, he expresses doubts that an adversary would deliberately pursue such a scenario.