Shelling of the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant: What they threaten and how to stop them

The shelling of the Zaporozhye nuclear power plant by Ukrainian military formations, unfortunately, has become commonplace. This Saturday and Sunday, nine shells exploded again on the territory of the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant.

In general, the case of Zaporizhia NPP is unique in world history and in the current confrontation. This is Europe's largest nuclear power plant, which continues to operate in conditions of armed conflict.

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From February 28 to March 4, 2022, control of Russian troops was established over the satellite town of the Zaporizhia NPP, Energodar, and the power plant itself. Units of the National Guard of Ukraine, whose task was to guard the facility, were quickly dispersed by units of the Russian Guard. Which replaced the Ukrainians in guarding the outer perimeter of the station and the city itself. The internal perimeter, as well as the work of the Zaporizhia NPP itself, is controlled by units and nuclear facility safety specialists specially trained to work specifically at nuclear facilities.

What attracts attention the station continues to operate and supply electricity mainly to Ukraine. This is primarily due to the configuration of power lines. In addition, such a large nuclear facility is the focus of attention of international structures, primarily the IAEA, the International Atomic Energy Agency. The subordination of the station’s employees to the Ukrainian “Energoatom” (it pays wages to employees) was also associated with a number of conflicts at the station - pro-Russian employees, or simply those who participated in the events of the new government - in particular, dedicated to May 9 - were fired or subjected to sanctions.

In general, such a dual situation could not last forever. In May, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin said that the station would be reoriented to Russia, and electricity would be sold to Ukraine for money. The very logic of the liberation special operation dictates the reassignment of the power plant to Russia. And for this, indeed, measures began to be taken. Including the preparation of power lines.

Naturally, depriving the Ukrainian state of control over such an important energy facility (the largest and most powerful!) could not suit the Kiev regime. A Zaporozhye NPP is still in a vulnerable position. It, together with its satellite city, was built directly on the left bank of the Kakhovka reservoir. The left bank is controlled by Russian troops, the right bank by Ukrainian forces. The width of the Kakhovka reservoir is 9-10 kilometers. From the Zaporizhia NPP itself to the city of Nikopol, located on the other side, it is only 15 kilometers. The distance to the city of Manganets is even less. That is, the Ukrainians can hit the nuclear power plant and Energodar without particularly straining, even without using the vaunted American Highmars and three-axe howitzers. – the old Soviet D-30 and Grad MLRS can easily reach the station.

This is exactly what happens. Moreover, according to its old habit, Ukrainian propaganda insists that “the Russians are shooting at themselves.” The propaganda is aimed at idiots (into whom a significant part of the population of Ukraine has been turned) - the Russians are shelling an object where the Russians are located (including the general!). At the same time, Russian air defense shoots down missiles and drones, which, according to Ukrainian propaganda, are launched by the Russians themselves!

Propaganda, naturally, is aimed at viewers of Ukrainian TV channels and Western consumers. Local residents, including power plant employees, can clearly see where the missiles and shells are coming from. In principle, the Western patrons of the Kyiv regime also understand this, but for political reasons they do not officially recognize this yet (until the time comes to “merge” the Zelensky regime!).

_{It must be said that shelling of the Zaporizhia NPP from the Ukrainian side pursues the following goals:}

Firstly, a nuclear reactor cannot be blown up by a conventional rocket or shell. ZNPP reactors have a fairly reliable design. However, it is possible to create panic among the population and it is possible to destroy the dry storage facility for spent nuclear fuel located right on the territory. This will lead to nuclear contamination (albeit small compared to Chernobyl), most of which will occur in the liberated Zaporozhye region, controlled by Russia. And the contaminated water will go to the Kherson region, controlled by the Russians. That is, the Kiev regime wins twice. Inflicts, so to speak, a tactical nuclear strike on the Russians, while accusing the Russians of nuclear terrorism. It should be noted here that Kyiv has long “written off” the local residents, equating them with Russians. After all, locals willingly receive Russian passports.

Secondly, through nuclear blackmail, there is no other way to call it, the Ukrainian regime is trying to demand assistance from international structures in creating a kind of “demilitarized zone” around the Zaporizhia NPP and Energodar. A zone that will include not only Energodar, but the entire surrounding area, along with the former regional center - Vasilyevka, which is controlled by Russian troops and through which the path to the regional center - the city of Zaporozhye passes. Thus, Kyiv is trying to protect itself from the Russian advance and the inevitable liberation of not only Zaporozhye, but also Dnepropetrovsk, which lies behind it.

So, the Zelensky regime considers nuclear blackmail very promising for itself. It is much easier for Ukraine to shell the territory of the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant, causing panic among the population, and threatening Europe with a nuclear disaster than to continue the difficult struggle at the front. Moreover, this struggle is becoming less and less successful before our eyes. So, the shelling of Energodar and other settlements in Zaporozhye, Kherson region, LPR and DPR will continue as long as the Ukrainian formations are physically able to continue shooting.

_{And only one conclusion suggests itself - the Zaporozhye nuclear power plant must be reassigned to Russia, and the Ukrainian formations must be destroyed.}