Nuclear plant risks, prisoner swaps, and global tensions dominate Russia-Ukraine conflict
On day 1,317 of the Russia-Ukraine war, the conflict continues to escalate with nuclear threats, energy disputes, and diplomatic rifts shaping the battlefield and global response.
Fighting and Nuclear Fears
Russian President Vladimir Putin warned Ukraine against striking near the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, accusing Kyiv of playing a “dangerous game.” He suggested that Moscow could retaliate by targeting nuclear facilities under Ukrainian control.
The Zaporizhzhia plant, the largest in Europe, has been cut off from external power for more than a week and is running on emergency diesel generators not built for long-term use. Both sides blame each other for the outages and shelling in the area. Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha accused Russia of deliberately cutting power in order to connect the facility to Moscow’s grid.
Elsewhere, Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko confirmed power had been restored in two districts of Sumy, following overnight Russian strikes. Repairs are also underway in Chernihiv, where more than 300,000 people lost electricity after Wednesday’s attacks.
Meanwhile, Washington is weighing whether to supply Ukraine with long-range Tomahawk missiles. However, U.S. defense officials cautioned that supplies are limited and primarily committed to the U.S. Navy. Putin warned that such a move would trigger a “major escalation” but claimed it would not alter the situation on the battlefield.
In a rare positive note, Ukraine and Russia exchanged 185 soldiers and 20 civilians in the latest prisoner swap.
Regional Security and Global Economy
Speaking at the Valdai Discussion Club in Sochi, Putin hinted that Russia could conduct a nuclear test if another nuclear power does so, without naming the country. He reiterated his offer to extend an arms control treaty limiting nuclear warheads, but only if the United States agreed to match Russia’s commitment.
On NATO, Putin said Russia had no disputes with Sweden or Finland before their accession, dismissing their decision to join as “stupid.”
Meanwhile, France seized a tanker suspected of operating in Russia’s shadow fleet, part of Europe’s effort to block Moscow’s oil revenue. French President Emmanuel Macron called it a strategic move, while the Kremlin blasted the action as “hysteria” and Putin labeled it “piracy.” He further warned the global economy would suffer if Russian oil exports were cut, predicting prices could rise above $100 per barrel.
Politics and Diplomacy
European leaders are moving closer to using frozen Russian assets to provide loans for Ukraine, with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz predicting a decision within weeks. Moscow dismissed the idea as “delusional” and threatened harsh retaliation.
Inside Russia, dissent continues to be silenced. Maxim Kruglov, deputy leader of the liberal Yabloko party, has been charged with spreading “lies” about the Russian army over Telegram posts citing UN reports on deaths in Mariupol and atrocities in Bucha. If convicted, he could face up to 10 years in prison.
In Europe, politics are shifting. Czech voters head to the polls this weekend, with populist billionaire Andrej Babis leading in opinion surveys. His platform promises higher wages and economic growth while reducing support for Ukraine, a move that could alter EU unity on the war.