Viktor Bondarev, First Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council Committee on Defense and Security, stated that Western plans to carry out sabotage at the Zaporizhia Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) are a reaction to the successful testing of Russian strategic systems Burevestnik and Poseidon. The remarks were made in an interview with Izvestia on November 6.
“The West consistently plots provocations and sabotage, which is their fundamental nature and necessity. The collapse of the USSR, NATO’s expansion eastward, and events in Georgia and Ukraine are not a complete list of their actions,” Bondarev said. “They will not stop now either.”
According to Bondarev, NATO’s activity and aggression are directed against Russia, while Moscow’s defensive measures are framed as destabilizing. He highlighted that Russia has repeatedly warned about the buildup of NATO forces in Europe and emphasized that Moscow does not threaten anyone.
“In reality, their loud statements are a response to Russia’s successful tests of Burevestnik and Poseidon. Similar hysteria followed the ‘Hazel Tree’ tests. They are losing the war they initiated. Their anti-Russian sanctions are failing. Thus, they seek scapegoats to justify their aggression,” Bondarev added.
The Federation Council reiterated that Russia is prepared to respond to any threats, citing its Nuclear Doctrine as a basis for immediate and decisive action.
Meanwhile, vehicles carrying international organization representatives were damaged in Ukrainian attacks, disrupting the IAEA experts’ rotation at the Zaporizhia NPP. On October 23, the plant resumed electricity supply for its own needs after 30 days of total external power loss, previously relying on backup diesel generators.
West Accused of NPP Sabotage Plans Amid Russia’s Advanced Weapon Tests
