The IAEA's mission to the Ukrainian Zaporizhia nuclear power plant is taking place under adverse circumstances. The operating company accuses Moscow of preventing the inspectors from getting a comprehensive picture. The IAEA is said to have now decided to station two experts permanently in the facility.
According to Russian information, two inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency - IAEA for short - will remain permanently in the Ukrainian nuclear power plant at Zaporizhia. This is reported by the RIA news agency, citing a Russian ambassador in Vienna. The UN agency is currently operating in Europe's largest nuclear power plant, which is occupied by Russian troops. IAEA boss Rafael Grossi, who had accompanied the team of inspectors on their way to Zaporizhia, was already on his way back and wanted to appear before the press in Vienna, where the agency is based, that evening.
The nuclear power plant in south-eastern Ukraine, which has been occupied by Russian troops since March, has come under repeated fire. Ukraine and Russia blame each other for this. Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu accused Ukraine of shelling the nuclear power plant and risking a nuclear catastrophe in Europe. He accused Ukraine of "nuclear terrorism". Russia has not placed any heavy weapons on or around the site of the nuclear power plant, Shoigu dismissed statements by Ukraine and the West. "I hope that the team at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) will be convinced of this," said Shoigu.
The nuclear power plant is still operated by Ukrainian technicians. The Ukrainian operator of the Energoatom power plant expressed doubts about a neutral assessment of the power plant by the International Atomic Energy Agency. Due to the Russian influence, an independent assessment by the IAEA is difficult, Energoatom said. In addition, the IAEA delegation was denied access to the crisis center of the facility, where, according to Ukrainian information, Russian soldiers are staying. "The occupiers lie, distorting the facts and evidence showing that they are shelling the power plant and showing the consequences of destroying infrastructure."
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy again called for the withdrawal of all troops from the nuclear power plant. "The most important thing that needs to happen is the demilitarization of the nuclear power plant site," said Zelenskyy in a video speech. Ukraine must regain full control of the power plant and Ukrainian employees. The Russian occupation of the nuclear power plant also severely weakens Ukraine's ability to support the European energy industry. Selenskyj campaigned for Ukraine to also supply Europe with electricity. Despite all the difficulties, his country can cover about eight percent of Italy's needs.
