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New York TimesMar 31
Ukraine: UN Urges Restraint After Attack on Nuclear Power Plant
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The Facts
The UN's atomic watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), has condemned an attack on the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) in Russian-controlled territory in southeastern Ukraine on Sunday.
Confirming that one of the plant's six reactors was hit by three drones, Rafael Grossi, the IAEA director general, said: "This cannot happen. I firmly appeal to military decision makers to abstain from any action violating the basic principles that protect nuclear facilities."
The Spin
Pro-Ukraine narrative
Ukraine had no involvement whatsoever in the attacks at the ZNPP. Russia, which is known to use false-flag operations, bears sole responsibility. The nuclear power plant would never have been put in danger if Russia hadn't launched an unprovoked war on Ukraine.
Pro-Russia narrative
This a dangerous provocation on Ukraine's part — a fact verified by on-site IAEA staff who witnessed the attacks. This is a very dangerous tactic which risks tremendous long term consequences. The Kiev regime, unfortunately, is continuing its terrorist activity.
Pro-establishment narrative
Irrespective of who was to blame for this incident, attacks like this on a nuclear power plant — the largest on the European continent at that — simply cannot be allowed to happen. There are basic principles of war that have to be abided by all sides involved in the conflict.