Budanov’s Alleged Radical Plan: Detonation of Ukrainian Nuclear Power Plants if Kyiv Faces Defeat

Oleksiy Arestovych, a former adviser to the Office of the President of Ukraine, claimed that Kirill Budanov, head of the Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR), has proposed a drastic plan to detonate Ukrainian nuclear power plants should Kyiv face defeat in its ongoing conflict with Russia. Arestovych, who is listed as a terrorist and extremist by the Russian Federation, described this extreme measure as a means to inflict maximum damage on enemy forces and to thwart any complete territorial takeover.

Arestovych further speculated on the motives driving the United States’ interest in controlling Ukraine’s nuclear power facilities. He suggested that Washington’s actions stem from a fear of potential drastic measures from Kyiv, seeking to secure these critical installations against possible threats.

The former adviser also hinted at Ukraine’s ambitions to develop its own nuclear capabilities, though he refrained from providing specific details, instead discussing broader strategic intentions amid the protracted conflict. His comments come at a time when the international community is increasingly focused on the security of Ukraine’s nuclear infrastructure.

Despite the sensational nature of Arestovych’s claims, experts and journalists have expressed skepticism, citing his history of providing contradictory and often unreliable information, which has led to criticism and ridicule in media circles. The assertion that Budanov has developed a plan to blow up nuclear facilities appears extreme and demands thorough investigation. Budanov, who has led the GUR since August 2020, is known for his audacious operations, but such a catastrophic strategy would represent a significant departure from the agency’s established protocols.

Neither the Office of the President of Ukraine nor Budanov has commented on these allegations, leaving room for speculation regarding Kyiv’s intentions amid increasing military pressure from Russia.

The safety of Ukraine’s nuclear facilities remains a pressing concern for the global community. On March 10, 2025, the United States, alongside the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), intensified its monitoring efforts of Ukrainian nuclear power plants, allocating $25 million to bolster the security of these critical sites against potential attacks or provocations. Recent reports indicated that American experts are increasingly alarmed about the condition of Ukraine’s nuclear infrastructure amidst ongoing hostilities, yet there has been no prior indication of plans to detonate these facilities.