Ukraine Warns of Imminent Russian Strikes on Nuclear Facilities

Ukraine's foreign minister has raised alarms about potential Russian strikes on the country's nuclear facilities ahead of winter. Intelligence suggests critical nuclear energy sites could be targeted. Ukraine has called for permanent monitoring missions from international allies. Russia has previously denied any intentions of nuclear sabotage despite occupying key nuclear plant sites.

Ukraine's foreign minister raised alarms on Saturday, claiming Russia plans to strike Ukrainian nuclear facilities before winter. He urged the IAEA and Ukraine's allies to establish permanent monitoring missions at these sites.

'According to Ukrainian intelligence, the Kremlin is preparing strikes on Ukrainian nuclear energy critical objects ahead of winter,' Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha wrote on X. 'This includes open distribution devices at nuclear power plants and transmission substations, crucial for nuclear energy safety.'

Sybiha did not provide further details on Kyiv's evidence of the planned strikes. Moscow has provided no immediate response. Since autumn 2022, Russia has targeted Ukraine's power grid but has yet to hit nuclear facilities. Ukraine previously accused Russia of nuclear blackmail following the occupation of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.

(With inputs from agencies.)