A Ukrainian Member of Parliament, Kira Rudik, has expressed growing worry over the situation at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, stating that Ukraine is “preparing for a nuclear explosion.” In an interview with Sky News, Rudik shared concerns raised by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who warned of a “serious threat” at the plant and claimed that Russia was “technically ready” to provoke a localized explosion.
While Moscow has dismissed allegations of plans to attack or sabotage the plant, Rudik emphasized the urgency of the situation, calling it unprecedented that Russia is denying UN officials access to specific areas of the facility for inspections. She expressed frustration at the lack of international action, stating, “We are preparing for a nuclear explosion, and the whole world is watching, and there is nothing that can be done.”
Rudik further highlighted the potential consequences, citing the recent collapse of the Kakhovka dam and urging the international community not to delay action. She described Russia’s alleged threat as a “bargaining chip” and a means to intimidate the world.
The timing of these concerns coincides with US President Joe Biden’s upcoming trip to Europe, where he aims to strengthen NATO against Russian aggression amid the ongoing war in Ukraine. Biden’s itinerary includes meetings in London with the King and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, followed by the NATO summit in Vilnius, Lithuania, where discussions on the conflict in Ukraine and the country’s potential NATO membership are expected to take center stage. Additionally, he will visit Helsinki, Finland, to commemorate the country’s recent accession to the alliance.
In other news, Russian former arms dealer Viktor Bout, known as “the merchant of death,” who was released in a prisoner swap with US basketball star Brittney Griner in December, has reportedly been chosen as a far-right party candidate in Russia. Bout, who spent 14 years in a US prison for illegal arms dealing, joined the Liberal Democratic Party of Russia (LDPR) upon his release. The LDPR, which holds ultra-nationalist views, has consistently supported Vladimir Putin’s actions, including the invasion of Ukraine.
Meanwhile, reports have emerged of a powerful explosion near a military airfield in southern Russia. According to Russian media, the incident occurred in the town of Primorsko-Akhtarsk in the Krasnodar region. The Telegram channel Mash suggested that a missile was intercepted by Russian air defences. No injuries or damages have been reported, as confirmed by the head of the Krasnodar region. Ukrainian adviser Anton Gerashchenko shared a video on Twitter purportedly showing the aftermath of the explosion.
