Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has criticized Russia following a drone attack on the Chernobyl power plant.
The conflict between Russia and Ukraine is nearing its three-year mark with the anniversary on February 24 approaching.
Despite numerous Ukrainian civilian casualties since the onset of Russia’s unlawful invasion, the possibility of peace remains uncertain.
US President Donald Trump has expressed a desire to end the conflict and has reportedly engaged in multiple phone conversations with Russian President Vladimir Putin in pursuit of this objective.
Vice President JD Vance is scheduled to meet with President Zelensky in Munich today (February 14), aiming for peace discussions, with the recent attack likely to be discussed.
Zelensky took to Twitter today to report a Russian drone hit the shelter over Chernobyl’s compromised fourth power unit, which serves to ‘protect the world from radiation’.
The strike caused a fire that has since been controlled, but there were initial concerns about a potential rise in radioactivity in the vicinity.
Though the attack was initially reported to have caused ‘significant’ damage, Zelensky assured that radiation levels have not increased. Ukraine’s State Emergency Service also stated that radiation levels remain stable.
Sharing footage of the attack on Twitter, Zelensky criticized Russia, accusing them of showing no intent for peace negotiations.
He stated: “Last night, a Russian attack drone with a high-explosive warhead struck the shelter protecting the world from radiation at the destroyed 4th power unit of the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant.”
“This shelter was built by Ukraine together with other countries of Europe and the world, together with America – all those committed to real security for humanity.”
“The only country in the world that attacks such sites, occupies nuclear power plants, and wages war without any regard for the consequences is today’s Russia. This is a terrorist threat to the entire world.”
On Friday, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov refuted Russia’s involvement in the attack, suggesting it was likely a ‘provocation’.
He told the press: “Most likely, this is yet another provocation.”
“This is exactly the kind of thing the Kyiv regime is known for and sometimes does not hesitate to do.”
Zelensky continued to assert on social media that Russia aims to mislead the world about its conduct during the conflict.
In another post, he remarked: “Russia continues to expand its army and shows no change in its deranged, anti-human state rhetoric. This means that Putin is definitely not preparing for negotiations – he is preparing to continue deceiving the world.”
“That is why there must be unified pressure from all who value life – pressure on the aggressor. Russia must be held accountable for its actions.”