Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a stark warning to Europe, suggesting that a nuclear incident at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant could send radioactive winds towards the continent. The threat came during a fiery press session at the St Petersburg International Economic Forum, where Putin also addressed tensions between Iran, Israel, and the United States, and defended Donald Trump against claims he was misled.
Putin Defends Trump and Discusses Iran Nuclear Concerns
During the plenary session on Friday, Putin was asked about Iran's enriched uranium, which could be used to develop nuclear weapons. He stated he had been in contact with Washington, Tehran, and Tel Aviv regarding the matter. When questioned whether Trump had been misled by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over attacks on Iran, Putin responded emphatically: “I have no reason to say that Mr Trump has been misled in any way. He is an experienced, mature politician, and it is unlikely that anyone from the outside could exert any significant influence over him.”
Putin acknowledged Israel's concerns about Iran's nuclear ambitions but noted that Iran has repeatedly denied seeking nuclear weapons. He emphasized the lack of trust between the two sides and called for placing all nuclear materials under the control of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). He referenced the launch of a nuclear power plant project in Uzbekistan, where the IAEA director general participated via videoconference.
Russia's Cooperation with Iran on Nuclear Energy
Putin highlighted Russia's cooperation with Iran on peaceful nuclear programs, including the Bushehr nuclear power plant, where one unit is operational and two more are under construction. He noted that most Russian personnel have been withdrawn from Bushehr due to its proximity to the Strait of Hormuz, which is near combat zones. He claimed that attacks on the plant were “accidental” and that he had received assurances they would not recur. “We have spoken with the Israelis about this many times,” Putin said, acknowledging their willingness to ensure the safety of the plant.
Nuclear Threats in Ukraine: A Warning to Europe
Turning to the war in Ukraine, Putin accused Ukrainian forces of launching strikes near the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, which is under Russian control. He claimed that a recent strike hit the reactor directly, though it caused no significant damage. “Thank God, there were no significant consequences and the reactor was not damaged, but it has, of course, been shut down,” he said. However, he warned that the situation remains dangerous due to spent fuel storage. “If those storage tanks are damaged, it becomes a very serious question: which way will the wind blow? And it is not at all certain that it will blow towards the Russian Federation. It could just as easily blow towards Europe.”
Putin concluded by cautioning European nations that support Ukraine to consider their own security, noting that IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi had alluded to this risk. The remarks underscore the ongoing tensions surrounding nuclear safety amid the conflict.
