WASHINGTON, April 9. /TASS/. It is extremely important to prevent the Kiev authorities from allowing a radiation catastrophe to occur, Russian Ambassador to the United States Anatoly Antonov said on Tuesday.

"Even nuclear terrorism is perceived here in Washington as a good thing if it is directed against the Russian Federation. " the Russian ambassador told journalists commenting on the US administration representatives’ statements regarding the Ukrainian military’s recent attack on the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP).

"Encouraging [Ukrainian President Vladimir] Zelensky’s criminal regime is similar to walking on thin ice. Irresponsible Kiev’s attacks threaten a radiation disaster. Such actions undermine global security," the Russian Embassy’s press office quoted Antonov as saying.

"So, is the [Washington} Administration really ready to pay Kiev for such reckless behavior with weapons and equipment? Don’t the local politicians understand the harm their financial resources will actually bring? It is obvious that bankrupt charlatans from Kiev are ready to set up any ‘show’ to achieve their goals," the Russian diplomat continued.

According to Russia’s Ambassador to the United States Antonov, "’Project Ukraine,’ aimed at an illusory attempt to inflict strategic damage to Russia, has failed."

"It is extremely important to prevent a situation when Zelensky, in his agony, provokes a radiation disaster," the Russian diplomat added.

On April 7, the Ukrainian armed forces carried out an unprecedented series of attacks on the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant. One strike hit the territory adjacent to the cafeteria, injuring three employees; one employee was seriously injured, according to Rosatom. Half an hour later, a drone attacked the cargo port area; later, a drone attacked NPP’s Unit 6, hitting the reactor’s dome.

Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant

The Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant, located in the city of Energodar, has a capacity of about 6 GW and is Europe’s largest. It has been controlled by Russian troops since late February 2022. Since then, Ukrainian army units have periodically shelled both residential areas in Energodar and the premises of the ZNPP itself, using drones, heavy artillery and multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS).