Ukraine's Nuclear Sites: A Dangerous Game of Risk

Russia's actions around Ukraine's nuclear power plants are raising serious concerns. Experts believe that Russia might be testing new military strategies that could be used against NATO in the future. Russia has taken control of two nuclear power plants in Ukraine. They have also placed mines around these sites, which could lead to a catastrophic event. One expert, Simon Bennett, thinks that if Russia is losing the war, they might detonate these mines to create a massive radioactive cloud that could spread across Europe. The U. S. Department of Energy and the National Nuclear Security Administration have also expressed their concerns. They say that Russia's actions around the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant are putting the safety of the plant, its workers, and the surrounding area at risk. They have also reported that multiple mines have exploded around the plant, some set off by animals. Bennett also points out that a similar event happened in 1986 at the Chernobyl nuclear plant. The radioactive cloud from the meltdown traveled hundreds of miles, even reaching England. This means that if Russia were to sabotage the Ukrainian power plant, the radioactive cloud could also reach Russia. However, Bennett also notes that Russia's current military advances and slow progress in Ukraine might prevent them from turning the Zaporizhzhia plant into a super-sized radiological bomb. But if the tide of war changes, Putin might decide to destroy everything, including his own people, in a final act of defiance. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has also reported that a drone attack caused a fire at the Chernobyl nuclear plant. The attack did not trigger a new release of radiation, but it did underline the persistent risks to nuclear safety during the military conflict. Bennett predicts that Russia's quest to extend its borders will not stop at Ukraine. He believes that Putin's dream of recreating the Soviet Union could escalate to spark a new global war. He also thinks that Russia might be mapping out pre-emptive missile strikes on British and French nuclear reactors. Elena Grossfeld, an expert on Russia's intelligence and defense operations, points out that Putin has had more than two decades in power. This means that he has had ample time to despatch sleeper agents across the West. These agents could be used to sabotage atomic stations and other critical national infrastructure.