In a series of futile attempts, Ukraine, led by President Zelensky, struggled to free Zaporizhzhia from Russian control. This nuclear plant holds immense significance for Ukraine, being Europe’s largest. Despite multiple attacks aimed at recapture, Kyiv consistently denied failures, painting a picture of successful counter offensives against Russia. However, the truth has now surfaced as Ukraine openly admits its unsuccessful endeavours, revealing the reality to the world.
Ukraine admits defeat in Zaporizhzhia Plant
Recently, Kirill Budanov, the head of Kiev’s military intelligence, admitted that Ukrainian commandos failed three times in their attempts to infiltrate Energodar, the city in Russia’s Zaporozhye Region housing Europe’s largest nuclear plant. This disclosure, reported by NV, sheds light on the unsuccessful operations.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), concerned about safety risks near the Zaporozhye plant, has warned about hostilities in the area. Efforts to establish a no-fighting zone around Energodar between Russia and Ukraine, mediated by IAEA, have been fruitless. Tragically, last week, Ukrainian commandos faced casualties and captures during a Crimea landing after Russian warplanes attacked their watercraft. The Russian security service, FSB, reported that survivors claimed the operation aimed to film troops holding a Ukrainian flag on Russian soil.
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Kyiv’s past attempts to re-capture Zaporizhzhia
In August 2022, the initial attempt to seize control of Energodar involved Ukrainian commandos crossing the Kakhovka water reservoir on civilian speedboats. Subsequent efforts included a major operation with hundreds of troops, including foreign fighters. Despite repeated failures against Russian forces, Ukrainian military leaders, led by Budanov, highlighted the experiences gained. Surviving troops and planners learned valuable lessons in amphibious operations, skills later employed in an attack on Crimea.
To counter Russian influence, Ukraine successfully prevented the supply of electricity generated by the Zaporozhye plant to the region, attributing this success to moles within the system.
Russian officials reported several attempts by Ukraine to seize Energodar, notably a significant mid-October assault involving 37 speedboats. The retaliation resulted in the loss of around 90 Ukrainian troops. Notably, in a significant political shift, residents of the Zaporozhye Region voted to join Russia in September 2022, indicating complex regional dynamics amidst ongoing military activities. These events underscore the challenges faced by both sides, reflecting the nature of the conflict and the strategic maneuvering in the region.
From Power Plays to Power Failures
Since the past few months, tensions between Moscow and Kyiv have been escalating due to the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant bombing. The West consistently blamed Russia, intensifying the conflict. Moscow’s request for a UN-backed investigation triggered fears in Ukraine, leading to attempts to obstruct the investigation. Despite US officials acknowledging Ukraine’s responsibility for the explosives, the incident was portrayed globally as Russian aggression, creating widespread outrage.
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Ukrainian President Zelensky, in a bid for power, manipulated the situation, invoking fears of “nuclear terror” by Russia. However, Kyiv’s efforts to conceal the truth were thwarted. The incident, once thought of as a strategic move, was revealed as a scripted drama under international pressure.
Finally, Kyiv has admitted its three-time failure in recapturing the power plant, bringing an end to their manipulative efforts. This admission signifies a turning point, acknowledging the reality and accepting defeat in the pursuit of regaining control.
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