POLITICS

Ukraine's Nuclear Sites: A Dangerous Game of Risk

Zaporizhzhia, UkraineFri Aug 01 2025

Experts Warn of Potential Catastrophic Events

Russia's control of two nuclear power plants in Ukraine and the placement of mines around these sites have raised serious concerns among experts. There is a fear that Russia might be testing new military strategies that could be used against NATO in the future.

Potential for a Massive Radioactive Cloud

Simon Bennett, an expert, believes that if Russia is losing the war, they might detonate the mines to create a massive radioactive cloud that could spread across Europe. The U.S. Department of Energy and the National Nuclear Security Administration have also expressed concerns about the safety of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant and its surrounding area. They reported that multiple mines have exploded around the plant, some set off by animals.

Historical Precedent: Chernobyl

Bennett points out that a similar event occurred in 1986 at the Chernobyl nuclear plant. The radioactive cloud from the meltdown traveled hundreds of miles, even reaching England. If Russia were to sabotage the Ukrainian power plant, the radioactive cloud could also reach Russia.

Military Advances and Potential Sabotage

However, Bennett notes that Russia's current military advances and slow progress in Ukraine might prevent them from turning the Zaporizhzhia plant into a super-sized radiological bomb. But if the tide of war changes, Putin might decide to destroy everything, including his own people, in a final act of defiance.

IAEA Reports Drone Attack at Chernobyl

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported that a drone attack caused a fire at the Chernobyl nuclear plant. The attack did not trigger a new release of radiation but highlighted the persistent risks to nuclear safety during the military conflict.

Predictions of Future Conflicts

Bennett predicts that Russia's quest to extend its borders will not stop at Ukraine. He believes that Putin's dream of recreating the Soviet Union could escalate to spark a new global war. He also thinks that Russia might be mapping out pre-emptive missile strikes on British and French nuclear reactors.

Sleeper Agents and Sabotage

Elena Grossfeld, an expert on Russia's intelligence and defense operations, points out that Putin has had more than two decades in power. This means that he has had ample time to dispatch sleeper agents across the West. These agents could be used to sabotage atomic stations and other critical national infrastructure.

questions

    How does the historical context of Cold War-era espionage inform current assessments of Russian intelligence operations?
    What measures have been taken to ensure the safety of nuclear plants in Ukraine during the conflict?
    Could the drone attacks on Chernobyl be a cover for the extraction of classified nuclear materials?

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