Russian force buildup underway at ZNPP, employee says
Russian forces continue to amplify their
presence and enhance fortifications at the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP),
as though preparing to fight for it, an employee at ZNPP, who has chosen to
remain anonymous, told Ukrainian broadcaster Suspilne on July 5.
During the interview, the individual remarked that there are no indications that the Russian forces intend to vacate the power plant in the near future.
“Initially, the Russians weren't as active; they were digging trenches around the perimeter (of the power plant), closer to the city,” the employee said.
“To a civilian like myself, it appeared as though this was more of a busy work.”
The employee also hinted at the possibility of the Russians planning sabotage operations at the facility.
“Now they're adopting a more technologically advanced approach, setting up firing positions within the station buildings,” they added.
“It creates an impression that they're bracing for a fight. But it could also reflect a lack of anything else to do. They might orchestrate sabotage, no one could stop that. However, it doesn't seem like a preparation for sabotage as they're fortifying themselves in, as if for a battle.”
The behavior of Russian troops at the ZNPP has remained consistent, according to the employee.
"They're occupying the plant, residing in technical facilities, storing an unknown quantity of weapons and equipment that come and go; there are also numerous trucks, and their contents are unknown."
At the same time, environmental risks from a potential incident at the power plant are currently low, the individual said.
“However, regarding environmental threats, the risks are somewhat lower now since the plant is not operational,” Suspilne heard.
“They could have damaged the station a year ago if they wanted.”
On July 4, the Ukrainian Armed Forces warned of potential Russian provocations at the power plant, adding that “foreign objects resembling explosive devices” have been planted on the outer roof of some of the reactor buildings at the ZNPP.
Recently, Russian media have been circulating fake news alleging that Ukraine is planning “provocations” at the Zaporizhzhya NPP. Renat Karchaa, an official of Rosenergoatom, “predicted” a terrorist attack on the ZNPP. Russian propagandists spread his statement, falsely asserting that Ukraine is planning to attack the facility on the night of July 5, using high-precision weapons and kamikaze drones.
As of July 5, the ZNPP was functioning nominally, and the radiation levels across Ukraine remain within acceptable limits.
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