Ukraine's Defense Ministry said Russia is preparing a simulation of a serious incident at the Zaporozhye nuclear power plant, which is under the control of pro-Russian forces, in order to prevent a counteroffensive by Kiev to return territories occupied by Moscow.

The Zaporozhye nuclear power plant, located in the Russian-occupied part of southern Ukraine, is the largest nuclear power plant in Europe, and its immediate surroundings are constantly shelled, for which both sides blame each other.

The General Intelligence Directorate of the Ukrainian Defense Ministry indicated that Russian forces would soon shell the plant and then announce that there was a radiation leak. This would trigger an international investigation during which all hostilities would cease.

In the message of the Directorate, which was published on the Telegram social network, no evidence was presented. It added that Russia prevented the planned rotation of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspectors stationed at the plant.

The IAEA, which frequently publishes reports on the situation around the plant, did not mention the issue.

Last week, witnesses said Russian forces were strengthening defensive positions in and around the plant in anticipation of a counteroffensive.