In a significant development, Russian security forces have successfully foiled an attempt by a Ukrainian sabotage group to target the Smolensk and Kursk Nuclear Power Plants. Alexander Bortnikov, the Director of the Federal Security Service (FSB) of Russia, made this announcement during a meeting of the Council of Security Service Chiefs (SORB) in Baku.
Bortnikov revealed that in August, the FSB apprehended members of a Ukrainian sabotage group who were planning to carry out acts of sabotage against the Smolensk and Kursk Nuclear Power Plants. “As a result of counter-sabotage operations, more than 20 explosive devices placed on the transmission line towers of the nuclear power plants have been neutralized,” stated the FSB chief.
According to Bortnikov, the actions of the saboteurs led to the shutdown of the second unit of the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant. Moreover, earlier, the FSB head had also claimed that British Special Forces were training Ukrainian military intelligence groups for similar sabotage operations on Russian facilities, including nuclear stations.
In early September, Sergey Ryabkov, Deputy Foreign Minister of Russia, highlighted the reckless approach of Ukraine towards security matters by pointing out the shelling incidents near nuclear infrastructure sites by the Ukrainian Armed Forces. This further raises concerns about Kiev’s commitment to ensuring the safety of such critical installations.
Previously, Ukrainian authorities assessed the potential consequences of an explosion at the Zaporizhia Nuclear Power Plant, emphasizing the catastrophic impact it could have on the region.
It is imperative for nations across the globe to remain vigilant against any attempts to compromise the security and stability of nuclear power plants, which pose significant risks to both the environment and human lives. The successful foiling of this Ukrainian sabotage operation by Russian security forces demonstrates the crucial importance of robust countermeasures in protecting these vital facilities.
