"One can only imagine what will happen if we strike back; what will happen in Europe," Russian President Vladimir Putin said.

UN nuclear chief Rafael Grossi said he discussed the safety of Russia's Kursk nuclear plant with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday, four weeks after Ukraine launched its unprecedented cross-border incursion.

Some Russian military bloggers have speculated that Ukrainian forces are planning to take control of the nuclear power plant.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a stark warning to Ukraine and its Western allies, emphasizing the potential for a global disaster if attacks on Russian nuclear plants continue. Putin specifically referenced a recent attempted drone attack on the Kursk plant by Ukrainea and cautioned that a retaliatory response could have catastrophic consequences for Europe.