Zaporizhia TPP: Russians firing at ash dumps to raise clouds of radioactive dust - intelligence
That’s according to the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, Ukrinform reports.
As noted, Russian troops are using a new method of creating the desired "picture" at the Zaporizhia TPP to manipulate public opinion and influence the international community. Recent mortar attacks on the suburbs of Enerhodar have a specific target: the ash dumps of the Zaporizhia TPP.
"These are the sites where ash is stored, formed during the operation of thermal power plants. This waste has a high concentration of toxic substances and a level of radiation that is at least 2.5 times higher than the natural background. When it dries, it forms dust that is able to travel long distances," the statement reads.
As a result of mortar strikes on ash pits, clouds of dust are formed, blown by the wind in the vicinity of Enerhodar. Monitoring of the radiation background, which is carried out near the nuclear plant, indicates an increase in the radiation levels. Thus the invaders are trying to present these data as the results of the alleged "strikes by the Armed Forces of Ukraine."
As reported, the European Union has condemned Russia's military efforts around the Zaporizhia NPP, and called on the Russian Federation to immediately hand control over the plant back to Ukraine.
ZNPP is the largest nuclear power plant in Europe. Since March 4, it has been under control of the Russian military. The invaders have placed military equipment and ammunition on the ZNPP premises.
On August 5 and 6, the invaders shelled the ZNPP infrastructure. In particular, the Russian military launched a missile attack on the ZNPP targeting the area near a dry nuclear waste storage facility, where 174 containers are kept, each containing 24 spent nuclear fuel assemblies. Three radiation monitoring sensors around the ZNPP site were damaged due to enemy attacks. Therefore, timely detection and response in case of radiation leaks from spent nuclear fuel containers are currently impossible.
