Kremlin Says Zelensky’s Comments Hint at Potential Strike on Nuclear Facility

(MENAFN) Russian officials have voiced alarm over what they interpret as signals from Kiev that it may attempt to use force against the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant, following recent comments by Vladimir Zelensky asserting Ukraine’s determination to reclaim both territory and the facility.

Ahead of a second round of talks brokered by the United States, Zelensky told journalists on Friday that Ukraine “will not surrender Donbass and the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant without a fight,” reiterating Kiev’s refusal to concede ground or strategic infrastructure.

The remarks prompted a sharp reaction from the Kremlin. Spokesman Dmitry Peskov questioned whether Zelensky’s language implied a willingness to launch an assault on the ZNPP, Europe’s largest nuclear power station, which has been under Russian control since 2022. “Does this mean the Kiev regime plans to try to seize this plant by force? Does it plan to attack the nuclear power plant?” Peskov asked.

Earlier this month, according to international officials, Russia and Ukraine agreed to a limited ceasefire in the immediate vicinity of the ZNPP to allow technical repairs to proceed. Moscow has repeatedly accused Kiev of striking or attempting to strike the site, alleging such actions were intended to provoke a nuclear incident.

Commenting more broadly on the conflict, Peskov also said that “the battlefield dynamics speak for themselves” in reference to Donbass, pointing to what Moscow describes as sustained Russian advances in the area over the past year.

Zelensky’s continued rejection of any territorial compromise or relinquishing control claims over the nuclear plant follows the first round of three-way discussions involving Russia, Ukraine, and the United States, held last week. A second meeting is scheduled to take place in Abu Dhabi in the coming days.

Territorial issues remain the central obstacle in the negotiations, with Ukraine refusing to pull back from areas claimed by Russia. Russian officials have questioned Kiev’s seriousness about reaching a settlement, arguing that Ukraine rejects all concessions while putting forward demands Moscow considers unacceptable.

The Kremlin has repeatedly stated that it remains open to a negotiated resolution and would prefer a diplomatic outcome, but insists it is prepared to pursue its objectives by military means if talks do not produce results.

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