In an exclusive interview with Good Morning America, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused Russia of using Chinese satellites to photograph Ukraine’s nuclear facilities in preparation for potential strikes. The allegation adds a new layer of complexity to the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, raising concerns about the increasing involvement of China.
Zelenskyy, speaking with ABC anchor Robin Roberts, said Russia had used Chinese satellites to capture detailed images of nuclear power plants. “In our experience, if Russia takes photos of certain objects, then there is a threat of strikes against the nuclear objects,” he explained.
While Zelenskyy did not specify whether these satellites were commercial or government-controlled, he emphasized the gravity of the situation, calling it “nuclear terror.” This new claim raises fresh concerns about Russia’s reliance on China for technological and military support during its war effort.
Escalating Concerns Over Russia-China Alliance
Russia’s relationship with China has grown more complex since the invasion of Ukraine in 2022, as Moscow has relied heavily on Beijing for economic and technological support. While China has avoided directly supplying Russia with weapons, recent U.S. intelligence suggests it may be providing critical military components.
U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell said last week that China is offering more direct military aid to Russia. According to Campbell, “These are not dual-use capabilities,” further indicating that China is helping “sustain, build and diversify various elements of the Russian war machine.”
Zelenskyy’s accusation builds on a similar warning made last week by Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, who revealed that Russia may be planning strikes on key energy infrastructure linked to Ukraine’s nuclear plants. This would not be the first time Russian forces targeted energy infrastructure, as the country’s energy capacity has been severely diminished by attacks, according to Ukrainian officials.
Growing Nuclear Threat in Ukraine
Before the invasion, Ukraine operated four nuclear power plants, with the Zaporizhzhia plant now under Russian control. The other three plants continue to provide critical power to Ukraine, but their safety remains a growing concern amid Russia’s continued strikes on energy facilities.
Although direct strikes on nuclear reactors are unlikely, experts have noted that damage to transformer substations linked to these plants could pose significant risks. A report from the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) highlighted the dangers of such attacks, explaining that disabling transformers could prevent reactors from distributing power, which in turn increases the risk of a nuclear safety incident.
As Ukraine faces another difficult winter, Zelenskyy’s warnings signal that the stakes are higher than ever. Russian strikes have already halved the country’s energy production capacity, leading to rolling blackouts and fears of a worsening humanitarian crisis.
