Russia spreads fake news about alleged Ukrainian 'provocation at Kursk NPP' – CCD

The Center for Countering Disinformation (CCD) under Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council reported this on Telegram, according to Ukrinform.

"On the eve of negotiations between the Ukrainian and U.S. delegations in Saudi Arabia, Russian propaganda has resumed spreading fake news about Ukraine allegedly preparing a nuclear provocation. Kremlin propagandists claim that the 'Kyiv regime is planning a provocation at the Kursk NPP.' These statements have no connection to reality. Moreover, this is far from the first time Russians have attempted to push such disinformation," the agency said.

The CCD said that the goal of such disinformation, especially before crucial negotiations, is to create the illusion that Ukraine is not actually interested in peace and is willing to resort to provocations to derail the talks. In reality, the Kremlin is using these tactics to weaken Ukraine's position ahead of the negotiations and to drive a wedge between Kyiv and Washington.

President Volodymyr Zelensky earlier stated that during the Kursk operation, there were no plans to seize the nuclear power plant.