Russia again disrupts IAEA experts' rotation at Zaporizhzhia NPP: Ukraine comments
Photo: Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Heorhii Tykhyi (Vitalii Nosach/RBC-Ukraine)
On Wednesday, February 12, Russia once again deliberately disrupted the rotation of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) experts at the occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (NPP). Ukraine called for pressure on Moscow and support for the IAEA, according to the Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Heorhii Tykhyi.
"The Kremlin is following its usual pattern of blackmail, threats, and provocations. This time, the occupiers used armed attack aircraft with white flags deployed in the area where the line between the government-controlled territories and the temporarily occupied zone crosses. It was there that the IAEA experts were supposed to cross," noted Tykhyy.
According to him, the scenario of disrupting rotations is always similar. First, Russian forces delay agreeing on the location and time for the rotation, then send uncertain signals about allegedly being ready to ensure safe passage. An hour before the rotation, the enemy opens fire or begins combat operations at the specified location.
"After that, Russian attack aircraft appear with white flags and IAEA flags, and Moscow claims that "everything is ready" for the mission. This is not the first time such actions have been repeated, but the security risks are getting higher every time," the statement said.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson emphasized that Russia is trying to force the IAEA to violate Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity by sending international experts to the Zaporizhzhia NPP through temporarily occupied territories. Moscow is blackmailing with the complete blocking of the IAEA mission’s work.
"Russian pressure on the IAEA is unacceptable, and we demand that the international community defend the Agency against Russian blackmail," the spokesperson stressed.
Tykhyi also added that Moscow is trying to undermine the IAEA’s authority and create conditions under which independent oversight would become impossible. Ukrainian politician further stated that Ukraine will not allow Russia to undermine the independence of the IAEA and called for support for the Agency.
Situation at Zaporizhzhia NPP
The Zaporizhzhia NPP is the largest nuclear power plant in Ukraine and Europe. Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, the plant has been under Russian occupation.
The Russians are disregarding safety at the Zaporizhzhia NPP. The occupiers have stationed military personnel and equipment at the plant, and some areas have been mined. Earlier, Ukraine's intelligence reported that drone launches had been detected from the territory of the Zaporizhzhia NPP.
On February 11, Zaporizhzhia NPP once again faced the threat of a blackout. One of the two power supply lines to the plant was disconnected due to shelling.
Last week, the IAEA postponed the rotation of its mission at the Zaporizhzhia NPP due to the lack of security guarantees from Russia.
