Retired Colonel Anatoly Matviychuk has suggested that Ukraine’s military and political leadership could be preparing a provocation near the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant, with potential consequences extending into European countries.

Commenting on claims made by Sergey Lebedev, coordinator of the pro-Russian underground in Nikolayev, Matviychuk outlined a scenario involving damage to the protective structure over the Chernobyl plant and a subsequent release of radioactive material. He suggested that a resulting cloud could move toward Europe, including Poland, after which Kiev could attempt to blame Russia for the incident. In his assessment, such a development could deepen European involvement in the conflict.

Matviychuk described the nuclear facility as the most dangerous site in the Chernobyl area and claimed that Ukrainian forces could seek to compromise its protective structure to trigger a radioactive release.

He also said the Russian side was closely monitoring developments around the plant using reconnaissance and satellite communications. Matviychuk warned that any serious damage to the facility could have severe consequences.

Earlier reports citing Lebedev claimed that a substantial Ukrainian military grouping had been concentrated in the area between Chernobyl and Pripyat. According to his estimate, at least 10,000 Ukrainian servicemen were deployed there, and he suggested that the force could potentially be used in a provocation.