Kyiv - Russian officials ordered the evacuation of 18 settlements near the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant due to anticipated fighting, raising concerns of a potential nuclear accident while Yevgeny Prigozhin's recent criticism of the Russian government reflected a broader trend of discontent and infighting among different power groups within the Kremlin.

On Sunday, May 7th, Russia sparked a "mad panic" as it evacuated a town near the contested Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, a Ukrainian official said.

Russian officials ordered the evacuation of 18 settlements in the Zaporizhzhia region, including Enerhodar, a town located near the nuclear power plant, due to anticipated fighting between Russian and Ukrainian forces. The Ukrainian mayor of Melitopol reported that there were long waits as thousands of cars left the area.

The IAEA has warned that a "severe nuclear accident" could occur if the situation at the plant continues to deteriorate. While the plant's reactors are not producing electricity, they are still loaded with nuclear material, making the situation potentially dangerous if the plant is not properly maintained.

The evacuation of residents from the area around the plant indicates the possibility of heavy fighting in the region, and the IAEA has expressed concern about the safety and well-being of the operating staff and their families. The agency has previously warned about safety at the plant after shelling caused temporary power cuts and damage to power lines.

Wagner boss 'promises ammunition'

Yevgeny Prigozhin's recent angry statements against the Russian government are indicative of a wider power struggle and infighting within the Kremlin. Prigozhin, who is believed to have close ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin, has accused the Russian government of not providing enough support to his private military company, Wagner Group, which is operating in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Prigozhin's statements have specifically targeted Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov, whom he has accused of not providing enough ammunition and support to his troops. Prigozhin's criticism of the Russian government reflects a broader trend of discontent and infighting among different power groups within the Kremlin.

Prigozhin, who is also known as "Putin's Chef" due to his catering business that has served Putin and other top officials, is widely believed to have his own political ambitions in Russia. His ownership of the Wagner Group, which is a private military company that operates on behalf of the Russian government, gives him significant influence and leverage in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Prigozhin's recent statements suggest that he is attempting to exert his influence within the Kremlin and assert his authority over the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. However, it remains unclear how much power he actually holds and whether he will be able to successfully navigate the complex political landscape within the Kremlin.