Kremlin calls Zelensky's nuclear plant attack claim a 'lie'

AFP , Thursday 22 Jun 2023

The Kremlin on Thursday rejected claims by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky that Russian forces were preparing an attack at the Moscow-controlled Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant by orchestrating a radiation leak.

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspectors are seen at the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in southern Ukraine on June 15, 2023. AFP

"This is another lie. There were just contacts with the IAEA at the site -- a very high assessment from the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency). They saw everything, everything they wanted to see," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.

Moscow meanwhile announced that UN nuclear chief Rafael Grossi would be arriving in the Russian region of Kaliningrad to meet with the head of Russia's nuclear agency.

Zelensky said Thursday that Moscow's forces were considering launching a "terror attack" at the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, a recurring flash point of concern throughout Russia's invasion.

"Intelligence services have received information that Russia is considering the scenario of a terrorist act at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant -- a terrorist act with the release of radiation. They have prepared everything for this," he said in a statement on social media.

Fears for Europe's biggest nuclear plant, which have persisted throughout Moscow's Ukraine offensive, have been exacerbated by the destruction of a dam that provided the cooling water for the plant.