Ukraine’s strikes on Energodar aim to 'destabilize situation' — Rosatom CEO

Lead

The CEO of Russia's state nuclear corporation Rosatom, Alexey Likhachev, has issued a series of warnings about the situation around the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP), urging Europe to step up efforts to prevent what he describes as a slide toward catastrophe. In remarks made over the past weeks, Likhachev accused Ukraine of deliberately destabilizing the area and criticized the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for what he called permissiveness, according to reports from TASS.

Coverage Comparison

All reported statements come from TASS, the Russian state news agency, which has carried Likhachev's comments from various venues, including the CIPR conference in Nizhny Novgorod and interviews with Russian media. The coverage emphasizes the urgency of the situation, with headlines highlighting the risk of disaster and the threat to European security. The reporting relies heavily on direct quotes from Likhachev, giving prominence to his framing of the conflict around the plant.

The articles span from May 16 to June 5, covering different aspects of Likhachev's message: from the impact on local residents in Energodar to the broader implications for Eastern Europe and the international community. All pieces present Likhachev's statements without independent verification or countervailing commentary, aligning with TASS's role as a channel for official Russian positions.

Key Claims

Europe's responsibility to de-escalate: Likhachev said on May 18 that "Europe must consolidate its efforts to de-escalate the situation around the Zaporozhye NPP," warning that it "is heading to the point of no return too quickly." He cautioned that Eastern European countries, located only a few hundred kilometers from the plant, face particular risks from the tensions.

Intimidation and panic in Energodar: On May 16, Likhachev accused Ukraine of "purposefully spreading panic in the city" and making ordinary peaceful life impossible. He stated that "intimidation tactics are aimed at the nuclear power plant employees, among others, and thus directly affect the nuclear safety" of the facility. He questioned how safe operation could be ensured when personnel delivery becomes a "special operation" and the plant comes under attack by combat drones.

Threat to all of Europe: In a June 5 statement, Likhachev declared that "daily intensive strikes by the Ukrainian Armed Forces pose a real, not virtual threat to nuclear security for all of Europe." He indicated the issue would be central to upcoming interagency consultations in Kaliningrad scheduled for July 10, with participation from the Russian Defense Ministry and National Guard.

Attacks on social infrastructure: During the May 18 conference, Likhachev said Ukrainian attacks targeting the city's social infrastructure, including "residential neighborhoods, bus stops, food delivery vehicles, and a kindergarten," could "destabilize the situation to the brink of disaster." He also called on the IAEA to pay "the closest attention" to the escalating situation.

Global responsibility to avoid nuclear brink: On May 19, Likhachev urged world leaders to understand that "saber-rattling and demonstrative attacks on nuclear facility areas are all fraught with negative consequences." He argued that "radiation knows no boundaries," so the only way to prevent a critical point is to ensure weapons are not used on nuclear facilities.

Criticism of IAEA: In a June 1 TV appearance, Likhachev criticized the IAEA's approach, suggesting that "connivance and permissiveness" were allowing the Ukrainian regime to "inch closer to a dangerous line." He referenced the agency's seven pillars and five safety principles, developed under IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi, which he said were insufficient.

Perspectives

Likhachev's statements reflect the official Russian position, which has consistently blamed Ukraine for endangering the Zaporozhye plant, one of Europe's largest nuclear power stations, which has been under Russian control since the early days of the invasion. His language about "playing with fire" and a "point of no return" underscores Moscow's effort to frame the situation as a pressing international crisis requiring Western intervention.

Ukrainian authorities, who were not quoted in these reports, have previously accused Russia of using the plant as a military base and of jeopardizing safety through its occupation. International bodies, including the IAEA, have regularly called for restraint and for the establishment of a protection zone around the plant, though their assessments of responsibility have often been more measured, without directly assigning blame.

Independent verification of Likhachev's specific claims about Ukrainian strikes and their effects on the plant's safety is not possible from the provided material. The situation on the ground remains contested, with both sides reporting attacks and counter-accusations, as noted by international observers.