Putin threatens strikes on Ukrainian nuclear power plants

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday warned that Moscow could target Ukrainian nuclear power plants under what he called “false pretexts”.

Speaking at the Valdai Discussion Club annual international conference in Sochi, Putin claimed Russian energy specialists had been unable to repair power lines leading to the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant because the area was within range of Ukrainian artillery.

He also accused International Atomic Energy Agency staff stationed at the plant of remaining “silent” despite witnessing the situation.

“This is a dangerous game, and the people on the other side should understand it. If they are playing with this, they also have nuclear power plants. And what prevents us from responding in the same way? Let them think about it,” Putin said.