US warns Russia that a nuclear cloud at ZNPP or in Belarus would trigger NATO’s Article 5

The US Senate has presented a resolution that would consider actions of Russia, Belarus, or a “proxy of Russia” to be an attack on NATO if they resulted in radioactive contamination of the allies’ land.

The statements were made at a news conference on June 22 by Republican Senator Lindsey Graham and Democrat Richard Blumenthal, according to Euractiv.

While the US has previously warned Russia of terrible repercussions if it employs tactical nuclear weapons, this is the first time US officials have stated that this also applies if Russia causes a nuclear catastrophe at a civil nuclear power plant.

According to Ukraine’s intelligence information, Russia is likely planning a terrorist attack on the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, which could result in a radiation release, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

“We have just had a report from our intelligence and the Security Service of Ukraine. Intelligence has received information that Russia is considering a scenario of a terrorist attack at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant – a terrorist attack with a radiation release. They have prepared everything for this”.Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukrainian President

Ukrainian President reminded that radiation knows no state borders and that “who it will hit is determined only by the direction of the wind”.

A radiation spill would create a cloud that would approach and even cross NATO member states’ borders.

The invading Russian forces have taken control of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in the first weeks of the February 2022 invasion.

The US Senators underlined that Russia had deployed its nuclear weapons beyond its boundaries for the first time since the collapse of the Soviet Union, posing a severe threat to world security amid the current war in Ukraine.

According to politicians and analysts, Russia is reducing the nuclear threshold by placing tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus.

Graham and Blumenthal suggested that any use of tactical nuclear weapons by the Russian Federation, Belarus “or a proxy of Russia,” or the destruction of nuclear facilities, which will result in the entry of radioactive elements into NATO member nations and cause severe harm, should be regarded an attack on the Alliance and the reason for the use of Article 5.

“The threat of using a nuclear device by Russia is real. And the best way to deter it is to give them clarity, the Russians, as to what happens if they do that. And our message is to those around Putin. If you do this, if you follow his orders – if he ever gives this, you can expect a massive response from NATO. And you will be at war with NATO”.

Lindsey Graham, US Senator

The senators suggested that the administration of Joe Biden consult with the leaders of other allied nations and European partners, consider actions to reduce the threat to civilians, and prepare a diplomatic and military response suitable to the circumstance.