Russian control limits IAEA work at Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant – SNRI
Russian control limits IAEA work at Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant (Illustrative photo: Getty Images)
Russian forces are attempting to influence the activities of the permanent mission of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) at the temporarily occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, located in the city of Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine, according to the State Nuclear Regulatory Inspectorate (SNRI) of Ukraine.
During a meeting of the IAEA Board of Governors in Vienna, the Head of the State Nuclear Regulatory Inspectorate of Ukraine, Oleh Korikov, stated that IAEA representatives are being denied access to critical equipment and systems at the plant, rotations are being blocked, and experts are prohibited from direct communication with Ukrainian personnel on site.
Access is granted only in advance, allowing those in control to conceal the actual state of affairs.
"The presence of the IAEA does not prevent Russian-controlled personnel from making irresponsible and unpredictable decisions that compromise nuclear and radiation safety at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant," Korikov emphasized. "The work of the IAEA team at the plant remains limited and is under the influence of those currently in control."
He recalled that Russia is violating a number of resolutions of the IAEA General Conference and Board of Governors, which undermines the authority of international institutions and requires a firm response from the Agency.
Korikov stressed that restoring safety at the Zaporizhzhia NPP is only possible through its de-occupation, the withdrawal of all military and unauthorized personnel, and the return of full control over the plant to Ukrainian authorities in accordance with the licenses issued by the State Nuclear Regulatory Inspectorate.
Ukraine seeks to regain control over Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant
Ukraine's Minister of Energy, German Galushchenko, recently stated that Ukraine is interested in jointly controlling the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant together with the United States.
"The plant could offer new opportunities for cooperation between our countries, particularly in terms of electricity exports. In addition, we will need more electricity for any projects that may be implemented in Ukraine together with the United States. We need more energy for the large-scale recovery of the country, and this is critically important," he said.
Earlier, Russia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs declared that it considers the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant a Russian nuclear facility, and therefore does not intend to hand it over to any other country.
