Most common theory amongst the armchair generals I’ve seen is that Putin wanted a more legitimate reason (from his perspective) that he loses to the NATO rather than Ukraine when retreating from Ukraine. By blowing up ZNPP Nuclear Reactor, he would be forcing NATOs’ hand and they would have to set foot on Ukraine soil and obliterate all remaining Russians on Ukraine soil, and so he can claim he lost to NATO.

It’s just theories at this point and I really wish Putin would stop entertaining those…

Probably? After their soldier literally DUG into irradiated earth, it became obvious they were oblivious to the danger. I don’t believe Russia actually has control over their soldiers and if one thinks it’s a good idea to cause Chornobyl 2 then well…