POLITICS

Ukraine's Attempt to Capture Nuclear Plant with US Weapons Foiled?

Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, Enerhodar, UkraineWed Nov 06 2024
In the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in southern Ukraine has become a hotspot of concern. Recently, Yevgeny Balitsky, the Russian-appointed governor of the region, claimed that Ukrainian forces tried to seize the plant using US-supplied HIMARS and drones. However, Russia's military stopped this attempt. Balitsky mentioned that the plant is well-guarded and that radiation levels are normal. This incident hasn't been verified independently yet. Zaporizhzhia NPP has been under Russian control since March 2022. Despite not generating power, it needs electricity to keep safety systems running. In August, a fire broke out, which Ukraine blamed on Russia. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed an attack on a cooling tower but said nuclear safety wasn't compromised. Repairs have been made to one of the reactors after a small water leak was found.

questions

    How do the recent claims fit into the broader geopolitical strategy of both Russia and Ukraine?
    Is this alleged attack a false flag operation to shift global opinion against Ukraine?
    What evidence supports the claim that Ukraine attempted to seize the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant using HIMARS?

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