Moscow, August 18-- The Russian government has accused Ukraine of planning an attack on the Kursk nuclear power plant, located near the Russian-Ukrainian border, and has issued a stern warning that any such attack will provoke severe retaliation. This accusation was made in a statement by Russia's Ministry of Defense on Saturday.

According to the Ukrainian-based media outlet The Kyiv Independent, the Russian Defense Ministry claimed that Ukraine is preparing to launch an assault on the Kursk nuclear facility and is allegedly attempting to blame Moscow for the potential "provocation." The statement emphasized that Russia would deliver a "stern response" if Ukraine were to strike the plant, which could lead to significant military consequences for Kyiv.

However, Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs quickly dismissed these allegations. Spokesperson Hiorhi Tykhi stated, "We officially refute these false reports. Ukraine has neither the will nor the ability to do any such thing. Russia must stop spreading dangerous lies."

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also responded to the situation, stating in a message on social media platform X that Ukrainian forces are solidifying their position in the Kursk region.

The potential threat to the Kursk nuclear plant has drawn international concern. Rafael Grossi, the director-general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), urged both Russia and Ukraine to exercise maximum restraint to prevent any incidents at the facility. Grossi warned that an attack on the plant could result in a catastrophic disaster.

The Kursk nuclear power plant is one of Russia's largest, with a total of six reactors. Of these, two reactors are currently closed, two are under construction, and the remaining two are operating at full capacity.

This latest tension comes amid escalating conflict in the region. Last week, Ukrainian forces reportedly made significant advances, seizing control of parts of the Kursk region, marking a notable success within Russian territory since the war began.

The conflict, which began when Russian President Vladimir Putin announced military operations in Ukraine on February 24, 2022, has now entered its 905th day. Despite heavy casualties on both sides, there is no sign of the war abating, with hostilities particularly intensifying in the border areas.