Russian propaganda has spread two fake reports about alleged "AFU strikes" on the territory of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP).

In both cases, the occupiers provided no evidence whatsoever.

Ukraine does not conduct any combat operations on the territory of the nuclear facility and strictly adheres to the norms of international law.

Shelling That Never Happened

Оccupation outlets and Kremlin-controlled media circulated claims of an alleged “Ukrainian drone” strike on the turbine hall of ZNPP Power Unit No. 6.

The Defense Forces of South Ukraine debunked this information, emphasizing that the AFU did not strike Power Unit No. 6 of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant.

“Ukrainian service members act exclusively within the framework of international humanitarian law and are fully aware of the consequences of any actions targeting nuclear facilities. Reports spread by occupation resources regarding alleged strikes by the Ukrainian Defense Forces on ZNPP facilities are yet another attempt to discredit Ukraine and cover up their own criminal actions,” the statement reads.

Later, Russian propaganda pushed a new report about an alleged “second AFU strike within 24 hours,” this time targeting the transport workshop of the Zaporizhzhia NPP, which reportedly destroyed six buses and two cars.

“In reality, these statements are an information provocation by the enemy. Ukraine does not conduct any combat operations on the territory of the nuclear facility and strictly adheres to the norms of international law,” the Center for Countering Disinformation emphasized.

In both instances, the aggressor deliberately avoided showing high-quality photos or videos of the alleged aftermath of the strikes.

Fakes Driven by Losses

It is worth recalling that it is the Russian Federation that has been illegally holding the ZNPP under military control since March 2022, turning a civilian nuclear facility into an element of military infrastructure.

The enemy violates requirements by deploying fire weapons within the five-kilometer zone, as well as stationing electronic warfare systems, weaponry, military equipment, and personnel directly on the plant’s territory.

This is far from the first time Moscow has made such claims. Typically, this happens following consecutive losses on the front lines in an attempt to divert the attention of the international audience.

For years, Russia has consistently manufactured fakes about “Ukrainian strikes” on the ZNPP as part of preparing the informational groundwork for its own potential provocations at the nuclear facility—responsibilities for which the Kremlin pre-emptively tries to shift onto Ukraine.

Systematic manipulations surrounding the ZNPP are a core component of the policy of nuclear terrorism that Russia is waging against Ukraine and the entire world.