DISINFO: The West behind information attacks on RosAtom
SUMMARY
Recently, Kazakhstani mass media have been more frequent in information attacks against RosAtom. It is obvious that pro-American forces, not Western ones, are behind this, as a French company, one of the potential constructors of the Nuclear Power Plant, is also attacked. Western countries are very good at working with public opinion, preparing the ground. For example, the HBO series "Chernobyl" shows not the real story, but an exaggerated version of what happened in 1986. Further releases of information from Western-funded media outlets are anticipated, following the recent official publication of a list of these outlets.
RESPONSE
Pro-Kremlin disinformation that the West is carrying out an information attack on Russia's State Atomic Energy Corporation. No evidence is provided to back up the claims.
The debates surrounding the construction of a nuclear power plant (NPP) in Kazakhstan are rooted in the country's tragic past, which is marked by the severe consequences of nuclear testing. These tests were conducted during Soviet times at several test sites, including the Semipalatinsk Nuclear Test Site, Sary-Shagan, and others. The total explosive yield at the Semipalatinsk Nuclear Test Site was 250 times that of the bomb dropped on Hiroshima in 1945.
This history has instilled a sense of fear and caution among the population regarding nuclear technologies. The fears were further exacerbated by the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear accident and later, the Fukushima disaster. Only 40% of Kazakhstanis are in favour of building the plant, while 55% are against. Four companies have been shortlisted as potential constructors of the NPP: Chinese CNNC, Korean KHNP, Russian RosAtom and French EDF. RosAtom, which is already a longstanding partner, is often named as the most obvious contractor. RosAtom holds shares in six joint ventures with Kazatomprom, Kazakhstan’s state-controlled nuclear conglomerate. In 2019 Vladimir Putin offered Russia’s help to construct a NPP in Kazakhstan.
Taking into account the concerns of the population and experts, as well as considering the tragic legacy of the Semipalatinsk Nuclear Test Site, the President of Kazakhstan has announced that the decision on the construction of the NPP will be put to a referendum. Although the Central Election Committee has begun preparations for the nationwide referendum, the exact date has not yet been officially announced. Therefore, discussing potential constructors appears to be premature.
See a similar case US pushing Lithuania against Belarusian NPP.