According to one Ukrainian military volunteer, Russia believes it can blackmail the West by attacking the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant.
The nuclear power plant has come under frequent shelling in recent weeks, with Ukraine accusing Russia of using it as a lethal strategic pawn in a move that could lead to a nuclear disaster. .
Kyiv and Moscow blame each other for the attack.
In the latest episode of Sky News’ Ukrainian War Diaries podcast, Seva, a 40-year-old military volunteer from Dnipro, offers insight into feelings on the ground on the Ukrainian side.
Click to subscribe to Ukraine War Diaries wherever you can get the podcast
“they [Russia] Consider that all civilized nations – Europe, Ukraine, America, England – are very weak, humanistic, soft, intimidating will have some consequences.
“As far as I know from the soldiers and the news, the Russians have precisely placed a lot of weapons, military equipment and trucks at the stations to avoid attacks from our troops.
“And indeed, in my opinion and in many people’s opinion, a nuclear blackmail against Europe and Ukraine, no one could have predicted such a thing.”
This week, the International Atomic Energy Agency sent inspectors to Ukraine, which concluded that the plant’s physical integrity had been “compromised.”
Inspectors remain at the factory.
“Most of our thoughts are on the Zaporizhia power plant and what is happening there,” Seva said.
“A few years ago I passed by a nuclear power plant. rice field.”
From the creators of Sky News’ award-winning StoryCast, Ukraine War Diary is a weekly podcast that follows those living and fleeing Europe’s new frontline.
Producer: Robert Mulhane
Digital promotion and additional writing: David Chipapak