Russia has accused Ukraine of carrying out a drone attack that killed a senior official at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP), describing the incident as a deliberate strike against personnel responsible for the facility’s safety and operation.
In a statement issued on July 15, the Russian Foreign Ministry condemned the attack and said it highlighted what Moscow considers the continuing security risks surrounding Europe’s largest nuclear power plant.
Senior Nuclear Plant Official Reportedly Killed
According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, Alexander Yakovlev, the chief engineer of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, was killed when a Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle allegedly struck a service vehicle associated with the facility.
The ministry said Yakovlev’s responsibilities were directly connected to maintaining nuclear safety and nuclear security at the plant. Russia claimed the attack was intentional and targeted an individual involved in the operation of the nuclear facility.
Russian officials also reported that the vehicle’s driver was killed in the incident.
Moscow Links Attack to Pressure on Nuclear Facility
The Foreign Ministry argued that the strike was part of a broader effort by Ukraine to disrupt the safe operation of the Zaporizhzhia plant and intimidate its workforce.
According to the statement, Russia views the attack as another example of what it describes as repeated Ukrainian actions and provocations directed at the nuclear facility. The ministry said the incident demonstrated the ongoing dangers faced by personnel working at the site.
Criticism Directed at Ukraine’s Western Supporters
Russian officials also used the statement to criticize Western countries that continue to provide military and financial assistance to Ukraine.
The ministry claimed that foreign governments supporting Kyiv were encouraging increasingly reckless actions and therefore shared responsibility for the consequences. Western nations and Ukraine have consistently rejected similar Russian accusations, arguing that support is intended to help Ukraine defend itself against Russian military operations.
Security Around Zaporizhzhia Plant Defended
The statement further emphasized Russia’s position that strong security measures are necessary around the nuclear facility.
Moscow argued that the alleged attack underscored the risks posed by military activity near the plant and defended the presence of Russian security forces at the site. The ministry also criticized international concerns regarding Russian deployments around the facility, saying such criticism ignored what it described as threats originating from Ukrainian forces.
Russia Pledges Continued Protection of Facility
Concluding its statement, the Russian Foreign Ministry said Moscow would continue efforts to safeguard the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant from future attacks.
The ministry stated that Russia intends to maintain protective measures at the facility in accordance with what it described as its legal obligations and responsibilities regarding nuclear safety.
The claims were made by Russian authorities and had not been independently verified. Ukrainian officials had not publicly commented on the specific allegations at the time the statement was released.
