Gaza War Turns Spotlight on Long Pipeline of U.S. Weapons to Israel
New York TimesApr 19
Ukraine: UN Urges Restraint After Attack on Nuclear Power Plant
Image copyright: Diego Fedele/Stringer/Getty Images News via Getty Images
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.