Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's top aide said the US and the entire Western world pursued a wrong nuclear policy that led to instability in the region. Mykhailo Podolyak, an adviser to Zelensky said the US encouraged Ukraine to give up on nuclear weapons after the Soviet Union collapsed, offering safeguards in return. However, this was misinterpreted by Russia, leading to a chain of events that has seemingly led to the current war.&nbsp;

Podolyak took to Twitter to share his analysis: "The United States, unfortunately, along with other Western countries, encouraged Ukraine to give up nuclear and other weapons to ensure security and stability in the region under safeguards. This was a wrong policy that was misinterpreted by the aggressor and led to a major war in Europe."&nbsp;

"The only way to ensure security in Europe today is through the return of respect for international law: return of the occupied territories back to Ukraine, bringing war criminals to justice, and the country's full membership in #NATO. Absolutely clear position and effective bipartisan support," he added.

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It takes great courage to openly recognize the mistakes of the past. The House of Representatives’ resolution is unequivocal: The United States, unfortunately, along with other Western countries, encouraged Ukraine to give up nuclear and other weapons to ensure security and…
— Михайло Подоляк (@Podolyak_M) <a href="https://twitter.com/Podolyak_M/status/1651131077023473664?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 26, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Podolyak made the assessment in the backdrop of US lawmakers introducing a draft bipartisan resolution which states that Ukraine should be "restored to its internationally recognised 1991 borders".&nbsp;

According to Ukraine's ambassador to the United States, Oksana Markarova, the draft resolution states that after Ukraine's victory in the war, the country should be integrated into NATO and other Euro-Atlantic institutions, which corresponds to the US long-term policy.&nbsp;

"We introduce this resolution to explain the importance of preserving territorial integrity. I believe it is important, in particular, for the American people, who must understand that the entire territory of Ukraine must be returned to Kyiv's jurisdiction," said Republican congressman Joe Wilson who co-wrote the document.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-war-1-killed-10-injured-after-russian-missile-strikes-museum-in-kupiansk-585936">ALSO READ |&nbsp;Ukraine war: Two killed, 10 injured after Russian missile strikes museum in Kupiansk</a>

<h2>Ukraine's denuclearisation</h2>

It was in 1991 that the Soviet Union was finally balkanised which led to the creation of an independent Ukraine which had the now-annexed regions of Crimea, the Donbas, and the southern Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions.

At the time of its creation, Ukraine briefly held the title of the third-largest nuclear power in the world. Still reeling from the effects of disintegration, Moscow had left thousands of nuclear arms on Ukrainian soil.&nbsp;

Ukraine could have easily dominated the world order with the stockpile of nuclear arsenal it had. However, in the years to come, the USA, UK and other Western powers persuaded it to give up on nuclear ambitions.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/role-of-technology-in-the-russia-ukraine-war-585219">WATCH |&nbsp;Role of technology in the Russia-Ukraine war</a>

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Consequently, in 1994, Kyiv decided to completely denuclearise with the Western world guaranteeing security under the agreement known as the Budapest Memorandum.

In hindsight, it proved to be a costly error as Moscow, during the ongoing war has repeatedly insinuated that Kyiv may potentially use nuclear weapons supplied by the Western world. Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, earlier this week asserted that the possibility of nuclear war breaking out was growing every day.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's top aide said the US and the entire Western world pursued a wrong nuclear policy that led to instability in the region. Mykhailo Podolyak, an adviser to Zelensky said the US encouraged Ukraine to give up on nuclear weapons after the Soviet Union collapsed, offering safeguards in return.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's top aide said the US and the entire Western world pursued a wrong nuclear policy that led to instability in the region. Mykhailo Podolyak, an adviser to Zelensky said the US encouraged Ukraine to give up on nuclear weapons after the Soviet Union collapsed, offering safeguards in return. However, this was misinterpreted by Russia, leading to a chain of events that has seemingly led to the current war. Podolyak took to Twitter to share his analysis: "The United States, unfortunately, along with other Western countries, encouraged Ukraine to give up nuclear and other weapons to ensure security and stability in the region under safeguards. This was a wrong policy that was misinterpreted by the aggressor and led to a major war in Europe." "The only way to ensure security in Europe today is through the return of respect for international law: return of the occupied territories back to Ukraine, bringing war criminals to justice, and the country's full membership in #NATO. Absolutely clear position and effective bipartisan support," he added. It takes great courage to openly recognize the mistakes of the past. The House of Representatives’ resolution is unequivocal: The United States, unfortunately, along with other Western countries, encouraged Ukraine to give up nuclear and other weapons to ensure security and… — Михайло Подоляк (@Podolyak_M) April 26, 2023 × Podolyak made the assessment in the backdrop of US lawmakers introducing a draft bipartisan resolution which states that Ukraine should be "restored to its internationally recognised 1991 borders". According to Ukraine's ambassador to the United States, Oksana Markarova, the draft resolution states that after Ukraine's victory in the war, the country should be integrated into NATO and other Euro-Atlantic institutions, which corresponds to the US long-term policy. "We introduce this resolution to explain the importance of preserving territorial integrity. I believe it is important, in particular, for the American people, who must understand that the entire territory of Ukraine must be returned to Kyiv's jurisdiction," said Republican congressman Joe Wilson who co-wrote the document. ALSO READ | Ukraine war: Two killed, 10 injured after Russian missile strikes museum in Kupiansk Ukraine's denuclearisation It was in 1991 that the Soviet Union was finally balkanised which led to the creation of an independent Ukraine which had the now-annexed regions of Crimea, the Donbas, and the southern Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions. At the time of its creation, Ukraine briefly held the title of the third-largest nuclear power in the world. Still reeling from the effects of disintegration, Moscow had left thousands of nuclear arms on Ukrainian soil. Ukraine could have easily dominated the world order with the stockpile of nuclear arsenal it had. However, in the years to come, the USA, UK and other Western powers persuaded it to give up on nuclear ambitions. WATCH | Role of technology in the Russia-Ukraine war × Consequently, in 1994, Kyiv decided to completely denuclearise with the Western world guaranteeing security under the agreement known as the Budapest Memorandum. In hindsight, it proved to be a costly error as Moscow, during the ongoing war has repeatedly insinuated that Kyiv may potentially use nuclear weapons supplied by the Western world. Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, earlier this week asserted that the possibility of nuclear war breaking out was growing every day. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

'West encouraged Ukraine to give up nuclear arms': Zelensky's adviser blames US for surrendering advantage

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.&nbsp;

Russia is reported to be removing nuclear warheads from ageing nuclear cruise missiles and firing unarmed munitions at Ukraine, Britain's military intelligence said on Saturday. The development comes a day after President Vladimir Putin of Russia assured bereaved families of Russian soldiers that Moscow's goals will be achieved soon.

"We must achieve our goals and we will achieve them in the end. I personally and the entire leadership of the country share this pain," AFP quoted Putin as saying.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-offers-condolences-to-mothers-of-soldiers-killed-in-ukraine-says-russia-will-achieve-its-goals-537549/amp">Putin offers condolences to mothers of soldiers killed in Ukraine, says Russia 'will achieve' its goals</a>

The UK defence ministry claimed that an&nbsp;open source imagery "shows the wreckage of an air-launched cruise missile fired at Ukraine which seems to have been designed in the 1980s as a nuclear delivery system", adding that ballast was probably being substituted for the warheads.

"Such a system will still produce damage through the missile's kinetic energy and unspent fuel. However, it is unlikely to achieve reliable effects against intended targets," the ministry added in its daily intelligence update posted on Twitter.

WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-war-russia-targets-ukrainian-energy-centres-water-services-suspended-in-kyiv-536920">Russia-Ukraine war: Russia targets Ukrainian energy centres; Water services 'suspended' in Kyiv</a>

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"Whatever Russia's intent, this improvisation highlights the level of depletion in Russia's stock of long-range missiles", the ministry said.

The ministry said that the warhead had probably been substituted for ballast. "Although such an inert system will still produce some damage through the missile’s kinetic energy and any unspent fuel, it is unlikely to achieve reliable effects against intended targets," it said.&nbsp;

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Latest Defence Intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine - 26 November 2022 
 
Find out more about the UK government's response: <a href="https://t.co/htZ2ZsfvmF">https://t.co/htZ2ZsfvmF</a> 
 
🇺🇦 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/StandWithUkraine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#StandWithUkraine</a> 🇺🇦 <a href="https://t.co/RZ6by8tN5p">pic.twitter.com/RZ6by8tN5p</a>
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Ukrainian media had earlier reported on November 26 that a Russian Kh-55 missile that was downed over Kyiv on November 17 was originally intended to carry a nuclear payload.&nbsp;

Russia possesses a total of 5,977 nuclear warheads as of 2022, the largest stockpile of nuclear warheads in the world. The second-largest stockpile is the United States' 5,428 warheads. Russia's deployed missiles (those actually ready to be launched) number about 1,588, second to the United States’ 1,644.

(With inputs from agencies)
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Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. Russia is reported to be removing nuclear warheads from ageing nuclear cruise missiles and firing unarmed munitions at Ukraine, Britain's military intelligence said on Saturday. The development comes a day after President Vladimir Putin of Russia assured bereaved families of Russian soldiers that Moscow's goals will be achieved soon. "We must achieve our goals and we will achieve them in the end. I personally and the entire leadership of the country share this pain," AFP quoted Putin as saying. ALSO READ | Putin offers condolences to mothers of soldiers killed in Ukraine, says Russia 'will achieve' its goals The UK defence ministry claimed that an open source imagery "shows the wreckage of an air-launched cruise missile fired at Ukraine which seems to have been designed in the 1980s as a nuclear delivery system", adding that ballast was probably being substituted for the warheads. "Such a system will still produce damage through the missile's kinetic energy and unspent fuel. However, it is unlikely to achieve reliable effects against intended targets," the ministry added in its daily intelligence update posted on Twitter. WATCH | Russia-Ukraine war: Russia targets Ukrainian energy centres; Water services 'suspended' in Kyiv × "Whatever Russia's intent, this improvisation highlights the level of depletion in Russia's stock of long-range missiles", the ministry said. The ministry said that the warhead had probably been substituted for ballast. "Although such an inert system will still produce some damage through the missile’s kinetic energy and any unspent fuel, it is unlikely to achieve reliable effects against intended targets," it said. Latest Defence Intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine - 26 November 2022 Find out more about the UK government's response: https://t.co/htZ2ZsfvmF 🇺🇦 #StandWithUkraine 🇺🇦 pic.twitter.com/RZ6by8tN5p — Ministry of Defence 🇬🇧 (@DefenceHQ) November 26, 2022 × Ukrainian media had earlier reported on November 26 that a Russian Kh-55 missile that was downed over Kyiv on November 17 was originally intended to carry a nuclear payload. Russia possesses a total of 5,977 nuclear warheads as of 2022, the largest stockpile of nuclear warheads in the world. The second-largest stockpile is the United States' 5,428 warheads. Russia's deployed missiles (those actually ready to be launched) number about 1,588, second to the United States’ 1,644. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Stock depleted, Russia firing cruise missiles with nuclear warheads removed, claims UK

Amid continuing row over the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant and the looming threat of a Chernobyl-type disaster, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky said that alert Ukrainian staff at the nuclear plant were able to avert a "radiation accident".&nbsp;

"Russia has put Ukrainians as well as all Europeans one step away from radiation disaster," President Zelensky said, adding, "If our station staff had not reacted after the blackout, then we would have already been forced to overcome the consequences of a radiation accident."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-operating-21-filtration-locations-to-process-ukraine-pow-us-report-510199">Also Read |&nbsp;Russia operating 21 'filtration' locations to process Ukraine PoW: US Report</a>

Ukraine had informed earlier that electricity at the nuclear power plant was disconnected. Russia had taken control of the Zaporizhzhia plant soon after President Vladimir Putin had launched his "special military operation" against Ukraine. The plant is run by Ukrainian workers. IAEA has sought access to the site amid fears of a disastrous meltdown as both Russia and Ukraine continue to blame each other for shelling at the site causing damage to the plant.

Watch:&nbsp;Ukraine's largest nuclear plant cut off from power grid

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Meanwhile, US President Joe&nbsp;Biden during a phone call with the Ukraine President said Russia should allow UN nuclear inspectors to visit the site.&nbsp;

The US had said that the electricity produced in the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant belongs&nbsp;to Ukraine while adding that "no country should turn a nuclear power plant into an active war zone". However, the US added that it hadn't detected any "abnormal radiation levels" at the plant.

(With inputs from Agencies)

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Amid continuing row over the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant and the looming threat of a Chernobyl-type disaster, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky said that alert Ukrainian staff at the nuclear plant were able to avert a "radiation accident".

Amid continuing row over the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant and the looming threat of a Chernobyl-type disaster, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky said that alert Ukrainian staff at the nuclear plant were able to avert a "radiation accident". "Russia has put Ukrainians as well as all Europeans one step away from radiation disaster," President Zelensky said, adding, "If our station staff had not reacted after the blackout, then we would have already been forced to overcome the consequences of a radiation accident." Also Read | Russia operating 21 'filtration' locations to process Ukraine PoW: US Report Ukraine had informed earlier that electricity at the nuclear power plant was disconnected. Russia had taken control of the Zaporizhzhia plant soon after President Vladimir Putin had launched his "special military operation" against Ukraine. The plant is run by Ukrainian workers. IAEA has sought access to the site amid fears of a disastrous meltdown as both Russia and Ukraine continue to blame each other for shelling at the site causing damage to the plant. Watch: Ukraine's largest nuclear plant cut off from power grid Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden during a phone call with the Ukraine President said Russia should allow UN nuclear inspectors to visit the site. The US had said that the electricity produced in the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant belongs to Ukraine while adding that "no country should turn a nuclear power plant into an active war zone". However, the US added that it hadn't detected any "abnormal radiation levels" at the plant. (With inputs from Agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Nuclear power plant staff averted ‘radiation disaster’ after blackout: Zelensky

According to Ukrainian military intelligence, Russia allegedly urged employees at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power facility not to report to work on Friday. This is in light of reports and rumours that a plant incident is being 'planned'&nbsp;for Friday in both Russia and Ukraine.&nbsp;

Russia threatened to shut down the plant on Thursday, saying there was a chance of a man-made disaster because of what it claimed was Ukraine's ongoing shelling of the area. Andriy Yusov, a spokesman for the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ukrainian Defense Ministry, claims that the situation in Ukraine is entirely different.

Yusov told NBC News, “There is new information, it arrived about half an hour ago, that for tomorrow, August 19, there is an order for the majority of the staff not to go to work. This is what the Russians told their people, primarily the employees of Rosatom,”&nbsp;referring to the Russian nuclear agency.

According to him, this could be proof that Russia is getting ready to stage "large-scale provocations" at the power plant on Friday. “We do not rule out the possibility of massive Russian provocations on the territory of the ZNPP tomorrow. This is confirmed by their propaganda, information from our sources, and the behaviour of the Russians at the station,” he added, referring to the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.

Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-nations-display-military-might-at-international-army-games-hosted-by-russia-508292">&nbsp;In pics: Nations display military might at International Army Games hosted by Russia</a>

Russia declined to confirm or deny the presence of Rosatom employees in Zaporizhzhia. The Ukrainian government and its "US&nbsp;handlers,"&nbsp;are attempting to manufacture a "small accident" at the facility in southern Ukraine on Friday in order to place the blame on Russia, the Russian defence&nbsp;ministry claimed earlier on Thursday.

According to the report, the "provocation" may have involved a radioactive leak and was timed to coincide with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres' visit to Ukraine.&nbsp;

The largest nuclear reactor facility in Europe, Zaporizhzhia, was repeatedly shelled by Russia after it invaded Ukraine almost six months ago, with Moscow and Kyiv trading accusations.

(with inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

According to Ukrainian military intelligence, Russia allegedly urged employees at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power facility not to report to work on Friday. This is in light of reports and rumours that a plant incident is being 'planned' for Friday in both Russia and Ukraine.

According to Ukrainian military intelligence, Russia allegedly urged employees at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power facility not to report to work on Friday. This is in light of reports and rumours that a plant incident is being 'planned' for Friday in both Russia and Ukraine. Russia threatened to shut down the plant on Thursday, saying there was a chance of a man-made disaster because of what it claimed was Ukraine's ongoing shelling of the area. Andriy Yusov, a spokesman for the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ukrainian Defense Ministry, claims that the situation in Ukraine is entirely different. Yusov told NBC News, “There is new information, it arrived about half an hour ago, that for tomorrow, August 19, there is an order for the majority of the staff not to go to work. This is what the Russians told their people, primarily the employees of Rosatom,” referring to the Russian nuclear agency. According to him, this could be proof that Russia is getting ready to stage "large-scale provocations" at the power plant on Friday. “We do not rule out the possibility of massive Russian provocations on the territory of the ZNPP tomorrow. This is confirmed by their propaganda, information from our sources, and the behaviour of the Russians at the station,” he added, referring to the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. Also Read: In pics: Nations display military might at International Army Games hosted by Russia Russia declined to confirm or deny the presence of Rosatom employees in Zaporizhzhia. The Ukrainian government and its "US handlers," are attempting to manufacture a "small accident" at the facility in southern Ukraine on Friday in order to place the blame on Russia, the Russian defence ministry claimed earlier on Thursday. According to the report, the "provocation" may have involved a radioactive leak and was timed to coincide with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres' visit to Ukraine. The largest nuclear reactor facility in Europe, Zaporizhzhia, was repeatedly shelled by Russia after it invaded Ukraine almost six months ago, with Moscow and Kyiv trading accusations. (with inputs from agencies)

Russia threatens to shut down Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, anticipates 'planned' disaster

Amid the crisis over Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, India has called for “mutual restraint” so as not to “endanger the safety and security of nuclear facilities”. The nuclear plant is among the top 10&nbsp;largest nuclear power plants in the world&nbsp;and is currently under Russian control.

At a United Nations Security Council (UNSC)&nbsp;meet on Ukraine, Indian ambassador to UN Ruchira Kamboj expressed “concern over reports of shelling near the spent fuel storage facility of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant”&nbsp;and highlighted&nbsp;that New Delhi “attaches high importance to ensuring the safety and security of these facilities, as any accident involving nuclear facilities could potentially have severe consequences for public health and the environment.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/international-nuclear-watchdog-warns-of-grave-danger-around-zaporizhzhia-nuclear-plant-506078">Watch: IAEA warns of 'grave' danger around Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant</a>

The United Nations and the nuclear watchdog International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have expressed concerns over the situation in and around the nuclear power plant in southern Ukraine.&nbsp;IAEA’s&nbsp;Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi has requested both Russian and Ukrainian sides to allow access to the site.

The Indian envoy to UN said, “We also accord high priority to the discharge by the IAEA of its safeguards and monitoring activities&nbsp;in accordance with its statute in an effective, non-discriminatory and efficient manner&nbsp;and we value the efforts of the agency in this regard.” New&nbsp;Delhi has taken a “note” of the IAEA’s regular updates on the issue, including those on August 9-10.

Watch:&nbsp;Russian forces fire rockets from nuclear plant site

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Other than the nuclear power plant issue, India also raised the matter of the Ukraine conflict on “developing countries, particularly, on the supply of food grains, fertiliser and fuel”. The ambassador said, “It is important for all of us to appreciate the importance of equity, affordability, and accessibility when it comes to food grains,” cautioning that “open markets must not become an argument to perpetuate inequity and promote discrimination.”

The Ukraine war&nbsp;has impacted supply chains and food grain delivery to many countries across the world. Both Ukraine and Russia are the leading exporters of wheat.&nbsp;At the briefing, India welcomed the UN Secretary General-backed initiative to open the exports of grains from Ukraine via the Black Sea and facilitation of the exports of Russian food and fertilisers. The ambassador said, “These efforts demonstrate that differences can be resolved through sustained dialogue and diplomacy, which has been the consistent position of India.”

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&nbsp;

Amid the crisis over Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, India has called for “mutual restraint” so as not to “endanger the safety and security of nuclear facilities”.

Amid the crisis over Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, India has called for “mutual restraint” so as not to “endanger the safety and security of nuclear facilities”. The nuclear plant is among the top 10 largest nuclear power plants in the world and is currently under Russian control. At a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) meet on Ukraine, Indian ambassador to UN Ruchira Kamboj expressed “concern over reports of shelling near the spent fuel storage facility of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant” and highlighted that New Delhi “attaches high importance to ensuring the safety and security of these facilities, as any accident involving nuclear facilities could potentially have severe consequences for public health and the environment.” Watch: IAEA warns of 'grave' danger around Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant The United Nations and the nuclear watchdog International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have expressed concerns over the situation in and around the nuclear power plant in southern Ukraine. IAEA’s Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi has requested both Russian and Ukrainian sides to allow access to the site. The Indian envoy to UN said, “We also accord high priority to the discharge by the IAEA of its safeguards and monitoring activities in accordance with its statute in an effective, non-discriminatory and efficient manner and we value the efforts of the agency in this regard.” New Delhi has taken a “note” of the IAEA’s regular updates on the issue, including those on August 9-10. Watch: Russian forces fire rockets from nuclear plant site Other than the nuclear power plant issue, India also raised the matter of the Ukraine conflict on “developing countries, particularly, on the supply of food grains, fertiliser and fuel”. The ambassador said, “It is important for all of us to appreciate the importance of equity, affordability, and accessibility when it comes to food grains,” cautioning that “open markets must not become an argument to perpetuate inequity and promote discrimination.” The Ukraine war has impacted supply chains and food grain delivery to many countries across the world. Both Ukraine and Russia are the leading exporters of wheat. At the briefing, India welcomed the UN Secretary General-backed initiative to open the exports of grains from Ukraine via the Black Sea and facilitation of the exports of Russian food and fertilisers. The ambassador said, “These efforts demonstrate that differences can be resolved through sustained dialogue and diplomacy, which has been the consistent position of India.” WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

At UNSC, India calls for restraint, expresses concern over shelling around Ukraine nuclear plant

Russia’s international disinformation campaign seemed to founder in the early days of the invasion as narratives about Ukrainian bravery dominated the internet. But in Russia, the country’s propaganda machine was busy churning out a deluge of misinformation aimed at its own citizens.

The narrative disseminated online through state-run and unofficial channels has helped create an alternate reality where the invasion is justified and Ukrainians are to blame for violence. To control the narrative at home, Russia also shut down access to several websites and threatened the news media with long prison sentences for criticizing the war. There is some evidence that the effort has mollified at least some Russians.

Here is what the war looks like to Russians, based on a review of state news articles, channels on the chat app Telegram, and input from several disinformation watchdogs who are monitoring Russia’s propaganda machine.

After Russian shellings killed Ukrainian civilians, Russia blamed ‘neo-Nazis.’

Some of the most disturbing images from the war have come from Mariupol, a port city in the southeastern coast. Shelling battered the region, killing several civilians who were trying to flee the area, during what was supposed to be a cease-fire.

But Russians got a different explanation online: Ukrainians had fired on Russian forces during the cease-fire, and neo-Nazis were “hiding behind civilians as a human shield,” according to Russian state news website Tass.

Neo-Nazis have been a recurring character in Russian propaganda campaigns for years, used to falsely justify military action against Ukraine in what Russian officials have called “denazification.” Those claims have only continued during the conflict. To explain away attacks on other Ukrainian apartment buildings, the same article by Tass claimed that neo-Nazis had placed “heavy weapons in apartment buildings, while some residents are forcibly kept in their homes,” providing no evidence.

Russian social media accounts have used a mix of fake and unconfirmed photos showing Ukrainian soldiers holding Nazi flags or photos of Adolf Hitler. An analysis by the Center for Information Resilience, a nonprofit focused on identifying disinformation, showed that the number of tweets connecting Ukrainians to Nazis soared after the invasion began.

“Propaganda works when it coincides with your existing assumptions,” said Pierre Vaux, a senior investigator at the Center for Information Resilience. “The stuff that chimes into the Nazi stuff is really effective.”

After a nuclear facility caught fire, Russians claimed they were protecting it.

After Russia attacked an area near the nuclear complex in Zaporizhzhia, leading to a fire, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine called it “nuclear terrorism.”

But according to a Kremlin statement reported in Tass, the military seized the facility to prevent Ukrainians and neo-Nazis from “organizing provocations fraught with catastrophic consequences.” Even though Ukrainians heavily fortified the region against an attack, Russian officials claimed they already had control of the compound before Ukrainians opened fire. They added that Ukrainians set fire to an adjacent building before fleeing, providing no evidence. Western experts said controlling the Zaporizhzhia complex would allow Russia to trigger blackouts or shut down the entire power grid.

The image of Russia as a world protector surfaced again after the country’s officials claimed they discovered evidence that Ukraine was working on a nuclear bomb. According to Russian officials, plans for the bomb were uncovered at the abandoned Chernobyl nuclear power plant.

“It doesn’t even make sense, because if you’re going to develop a nuclear weapon, you don’t do your secret development in a nuclear power plant,” Vaux said. “But that kind of thing is just being beamed out on Russian state TV.”

After Russia shelled a residential neighborhood, Russians claimed Ukrainians did it.

An attack on Kharkiv, a northeast Ukraine city bordering Russia, provided additional evidence that Russia had indiscriminately bombed residential neighborhoods and killed civilians, according to the Atlantic Council, a U.S. research group. The International Criminal Court opened an investigation into war crimes after the assault.

In one attack that included heavy shelling, 34 civilians were killed and 285 were injured, according to the Ukrainian State Emergency Service.

But Russians listening to state media or browsing channels on Telegram heard another story: The missiles, those sources claimed, came from Ukrainian territory.

On a Telegram channel for Russian news site Readovka, one post described how “Ukrainian missiles” had “arrived from the northwest” — an area controlled by the Ukrainian military.

Russia’s defense department said that it never attacked cities, instead targeting “military infrastructure” with “high-precision weapons,” according to an article in the state-owned news agency RIA Novosti.

After attacks bloodied civilians, Russians called injured Ukrainians crisis actors.

A woman who survived a blast at her apartment building became the focus of disinformation efforts after her bloodied and bandaged photograph spread widely through newspapers and Western media.

The woman was a resident of an apartment complex in Chuhuiv, near Kharkiv. Photojournalist Alex Lourie captured her portrait after the attack, and the image was soon featured on the front pages of newspapers around the world.

But Russian social media channels falsely described her as a member of Ukraine’s psychological operations unit, according to an analysis by Ukrainian fact-checking website StopFake.

A post by “War on Fakes,” a pro-Russian website and Telegram channel that appeared at the start of the invasion, suggested that the blood could be grape juice and that the woman could be “part of the territorial defense.” As evidence, the post included a shot of another woman bearing some resemblance. That image came from a New York Times photograph, which was taken in Kyiv — a seven-hour drive west of Chuhuiv.

Russia’s international disinformation campaign seemed to founder in the early days of the invasion as narratives about Ukrainian bravery dominated the internet. But in Russia, the country’s propaganda machine was busy churning out a deluge of misinformation aimed at its own citizens.

Russia’s international disinformation campaign seemed to founder in the early days of the invasion as narratives about Ukrainian bravery dominated the internet. But in Russia, the country’s propaganda machine was busy churning out a deluge of misinformation aimed at its own citizens. The narrative disseminated online through state-run and unofficial channels has helped create an alternate reality where the invasion is justified and Ukrainians are to blame for violence. To control the narrative at home, Russia also shut down access to several websites and threatened the news media with long prison sentences for criticizing the war. There is some evidence that the effort has mollified at least some Russians. Here is what the war looks like to Russians, based on a review of state news articles, channels on the chat app Telegram, and input from several disinformation watchdogs who are monitoring Russia’s propaganda machine. After Russian shellings killed Ukrainian civilians, Russia blamed ‘neo-Nazis.’ Some of the most disturbing images from the war have come from Mariupol, a port city in the southeastern coast. Shelling battered the region, killing several civilians who were trying to flee the area, during what was supposed to be a cease-fire. But Russians got a different explanation online: Ukrainians had fired on Russian forces during the cease-fire, and neo-Nazis were “hiding behind civilians as a human shield,” according to Russian state news website Tass. Neo-Nazis have been a recurring character in Russian propaganda campaigns for years, used to falsely justify military action against Ukraine in what Russian officials have called “denazification.” Those claims have only continued during the conflict. To explain away attacks on other Ukrainian apartment buildings, the same article by Tass claimed that neo-Nazis had placed “heavy weapons in apartment buildings, while some residents are forcibly kept in their homes,” providing no evidence. Russian social media accounts have used a mix of fake and unconfirmed photos showing Ukrainian soldiers holding Nazi flags or photos of Adolf Hitler. An analysis by the Center for Information Resilience, a nonprofit focused on identifying disinformation, showed that the number of tweets connecting Ukrainians to Nazis soared after the invasion began. “Propaganda works when it coincides with your existing assumptions,” said Pierre Vaux, a senior investigator at the Center for Information Resilience. “The stuff that chimes into the Nazi stuff is really effective.” After a nuclear facility caught fire, Russians claimed they were protecting it. After Russia attacked an area near the nuclear complex in Zaporizhzhia, leading to a fire, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine called it “nuclear terrorism.” But according to a Kremlin statement reported in Tass, the military seized the facility to prevent Ukrainians and neo-Nazis from “organizing provocations fraught with catastrophic consequences.” Even though Ukrainians heavily fortified the region against an attack, Russian officials claimed they already had control of the compound before Ukrainians opened fire. They added that Ukrainians set fire to an adjacent building before fleeing, providing no evidence. Western experts said controlling the Zaporizhzhia complex would allow Russia to trigger blackouts or shut down the entire power grid. The image of Russia as a world protector surfaced again after the country’s officials claimed they discovered evidence that Ukraine was working on a nuclear bomb. According to Russian officials, plans for the bomb were uncovered at the abandoned Chernobyl nuclear power plant. “It doesn’t even make sense, because if you’re going to develop a nuclear weapon, you don’t do your secret development in a nuclear power plant,” Vaux said. “But that kind of thing is just being beamed out on Russian state TV.” After Russia shelled a residential neighborhood, Russians claimed Ukrainians did it. An attack on Kharkiv, a northeast Ukraine city bordering Russia, provided additional evidence that Russia had indiscriminately bombed residential neighborhoods and killed civilians, according to the Atlantic Council, a U.S. research group. The International Criminal Court opened an investigation into war crimes after the assault. In one attack that included heavy shelling, 34 civilians were killed and 285 were injured, according to the Ukrainian State Emergency Service. But Russians listening to state media or browsing channels on Telegram heard another story: The missiles, those sources claimed, came from Ukrainian territory. On a Telegram channel for Russian news site Readovka, one post described how “Ukrainian missiles” had “arrived from the northwest” — an area controlled by the Ukrainian military. Russia’s defense department said that it never attacked cities, instead targeting “military infrastructure” with “high-precision weapons,” according to an article in the state-owned news agency RIA Novosti. After attacks bloodied civilians, Russians called injured Ukrainians crisis actors. A woman who survived a blast at her apartment building became the focus of disinformation efforts after her bloodied and bandaged photograph spread widely through newspapers and Western media. The woman was a resident of an apartment complex in Chuhuiv, near Kharkiv. Photojournalist Alex Lourie captured her portrait after the attack, and the image was soon featured on the front pages of newspapers around the world. But Russian social media channels falsely described her as a member of Ukraine’s psychological operations unit, according to an analysis by Ukrainian fact-checking website StopFake. A post by “War on Fakes,” a pro-Russian website and Telegram channel that appeared at the start of the invasion, suggested that the blood could be grape juice and that the woman could be “part of the territorial defense.” As evidence, the post included a shot of another woman bearing some resemblance. That image came from a New York Times photograph, which was taken in Kyiv — a seven-hour drive west of Chuhuiv.

4 falsehoods Russians are told about the war

After Ukraine's nuclear power plant was hit, Russia blamed the explosion on Ukrainian "saboteurs" calling it "monstrous provocation".

"Last night on the territory adjacent to the power plant, an attempt was made by the Kyiv nationalist regime to carry out a monstrous provocation," Russia's defence ministry said.

The defence ministry added that the nuclear plant was operating normally and the area was under Russian control since February 28.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/what-is-the-chain-of-command-for-potential-russian-nuclear-strikes-458854">Also Read in Pics:&nbsp;What is the chain of command for potential Russian nuclear strikes?</a>

UK foreign secretary Liz Truss called for an urgent meeting of the UNSC after Russian forces attacked the nuclear power plant. The IAEA said the fire at Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant did not affect "essential" equipment.

However, Russian defence ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov alleged that "at about 2 am during a patrol of guarded territory adjacent to the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, a mobile patrol of the National Guard came under attack from a Ukrainian sabotage group".

Watch: What next for Putin?

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"To provoke return fire on the building, heavy small arms fire was opened on Russian National Guard servicemen from the windows of several floors of a training complex located outside the power plant," he said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ukraine-war-russias-hunt-for-drone-killer-uav-concept-revealed-457886">Also Read in Pics:&nbsp;Russia's hunt for 'drone-killer UAV concept' revealed</a>

According to Igor Konashenkov, the "sabotage group" abandoned the training complex after the Russian patrol group returned fire to suppress the attack as it was set on fire and they left.

The IAEA said the training facility at the nuclear site at Zaporizhzhia which was hit was not part of the plant's reactors. Russia had earlier seized the Chernobyl nuclear plant on February 24.

"Currently, the staff of Zaporizhzhya NPP continues to work as usual, maintains the NPP facilities and monitors the radioactive situation. The radioactive background in the area of the nuclear power plant is normal,” the defence ministry spokesman added.

(With inputs from Agencies)

After Ukraine's nuclear power plant was hit, Russia blamed the explosion on Ukrainian "saboteurs" calling it "monstrous provocation". "Last night on the territory adjacent to the power plant, an attempt was made by the Kyiv nationalist regime to carry out a monstrous provocation," Russia's defence ministry said.

After Ukraine's nuclear power plant was hit, Russia blamed the explosion on Ukrainian "saboteurs" calling it "monstrous provocation". "Last night on the territory adjacent to the power plant, an attempt was made by the Kyiv nationalist regime to carry out a monstrous provocation," Russia's defence ministry said. The defence ministry added that the nuclear plant was operating normally and the area was under Russian control since February 28. Also Read in Pics: What is the chain of command for potential Russian nuclear strikes? UK foreign secretary Liz Truss called for an urgent meeting of the UNSC after Russian forces attacked the nuclear power plant. The IAEA said the fire at Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant did not affect "essential" equipment. However, Russian defence ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov alleged that "at about 2 am during a patrol of guarded territory adjacent to the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, a mobile patrol of the National Guard came under attack from a Ukrainian sabotage group". Watch: What next for Putin? "To provoke return fire on the building, heavy small arms fire was opened on Russian National Guard servicemen from the windows of several floors of a training complex located outside the power plant," he said. Also Read in Pics: Russia's hunt for 'drone-killer UAV concept' revealed According to Igor Konashenkov, the "sabotage group" abandoned the training complex after the Russian patrol group returned fire to suppress the attack as it was set on fire and they left. The IAEA said the training facility at the nuclear site at Zaporizhzhia which was hit was not part of the plant's reactors. Russia had earlier seized the Chernobyl nuclear plant on February 24. "Currently, the staff of Zaporizhzhya NPP continues to work as usual, maintains the NPP facilities and monitors the radioactive situation. The radioactive background in the area of the nuclear power plant is normal,” the defence ministry spokesman added. (With inputs from Agencies)

Russia blames Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant attack on Ukrainian 'saboteurs'