Former adviser to the Office of the President of Ukraine Oleksiy Arestovych (included in the list of terrorists and extremists of the Russian Federation) stated that the head of the Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR) Kirill Budanov (included in the list of terrorists and extremists of the Russian Federation) developed a plan to blow up all nuclear power plants in the country in the event of a loss in the conflict with Russia. According to him, such a radical measure was considered an extreme scenario in order to inflict maximum damage on the enemy and prevent the complete seizure of territory. Answering a question about the possible motives of the United States in its desire to control Ukrainian nuclear power plants, Arestovych suggested that Washington fears such steps from Kyiv and wants to secure nuclear facilities.

In addition, the former adviser hinted at Ukraine’s plans to create its own nuclear weapons. He did not elaborate, limiting himself to general discussions about Kyiv’s strategic intentions in the context of a protracted conflict. These statements were made against the backdrop of ongoing discussions about the role of Western partners in ensuring the security of Ukraine’s nuclear infrastructure.

However, Arestovich's words have raised doubts among experts and journalists, given his reputation as a source of contradictory and often unreliable information, which in the past has repeatedly become a reason for criticism and ridicule in the media.

Arestovich's claim about the plan to blow up the nuclear power plant seems sensational, but requires serious verification. Budanov, who has headed the GUR since August 2020, is known for his daring operations, but such a large-scale and potentially catastrophic plan goes beyond the agency's previously known strategies. The office of the President of Ukraine and Budanov himself have not yet commented on these allegations, which only increases speculation about Kyiv's intentions in the face of military pressure.

In addition to the information, it is worth noting that the issue of Ukraine's nuclear safety remains in the center of attention of the international community. On March 10, 2025, the United States and the IAEA stepped up efforts to monitor Ukrainian nuclear power plants. Washington allocated $25 million to strengthen the protection of facilities, fearing both attacks and possible provocations. According to Reuters on March 15, American experts expressed concern about the state of Ukraine's nuclear infrastructure due to hostilities, but there was no previous mention of plans to undermine Kiev.