Russia believes it can blackmail the West by attacking the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, according to a Ukrainian military volunteer.
The plant has been bombed frequently in recent weeks, and Ukraine has accused Russia of using it as a deadly strategic pawn, in a move that could lead to nuclear disaster.
Kyiv and Moscow blame each other for the attacks.
Speaking on the latest episode of Sky News’ Ukraine War Diaries podcast, Seva, a 40-year-old military volunteer from Dnipro, offers an insight into the feeling on the ground on the Ukrainian side.
Click to subscribe to Ukraine War Diaries wherever you get your podcasts
Image: A caravan carrying the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) mission of experts, escorted by the Russian military, arrives at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant
“They [Russia] just think Europe, Ukraine, USA, Great Britain, all civilized countries, they are very weak, they are too humanitarian, they are too soft and blackmailing them will give some results.
“As I know from our guys, from the soldiers and also from the news, the Russians have put a lot of weapons and military equipment and trucks exactly on the station to prevent some strikes from our forces.
“And really, in my opinion and a lot of people’s opinion, just the nuclear blackmail of Europe and Ukraine and nobody could ever predict that kind of thing.”
This week, the International Atomic Energy Agency sent inspectors to Ukraine, who concluded that the plant’s physical integrity had been “violated.”
Inspectors remain at the plant.
Image: Seva is a volunteer working with the Ukrainian army
“Most of our thoughts are with the Zaporizhzhia power plant and what is happening there,” Seva said.
“A few years ago I went through the plant. It’s very huge. It’s huge. You know it’s the biggest nuclear power plant in Europe and it’s very impressive because of its size and its power.”
From the creators of Sky News’ award-winning StoryCast, Ukraine War Diaries is a weekly podcast that follows those living on Europe’s new front line and those who have escaped it.
Producer: Robert Mulhern
Digital promotion and additional writing: David Chipakupaku