The Kremlin has expressed deep concerns over the possibility of Kyiv preparing a provocation at the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, which has been a source of tension in the conflict in Ukraine.

This warning from Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov comes after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron that Russia was planning "dangerous provocations" at the plant.

The plant is the largest of its kind in Europe. Russia and Ukraine have long accused each other of putting the plant's safety at risk since Russia launched its hostilities in Ukraine last February.

Peskov further claimed that Kyiv has demonstrated its willingness to resort to extreme measures, pointing to the explosion of the Kakhovskaya hydroelectric power station that led to devastating consequences. In response to the recent threats, Peskov reassured that all precautions are being taken to protect the plant from potential sabotage.

An advisor to Russia's Rosatom nuclear agency, Renat Karchaa, also accused Kyiv of plotting an attack on the plant on the night of July 5. The United Nations' International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has deployed a team of observers to monitor the security of the plant, and the IAEA's director Rafael Grossi has confirmed that there are no plans to redeploy the group.

The situation remains delicate and both sides need to be cautious in order to prevent a tragedy. The risk of a provocation at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant is a major cause of alarm, especially as it could cause catastrophic consequences. It is essential that the safety of the plant is guaranteed and that all necessary steps are taken to ensure that the situation remains stable.