Russia on Thursday agreed to expand the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) monitoring mission at the Russian-held Zaporizhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine. Alexei Likhachev, head of the national nuclear agency Rosatom, announced his support for “all actions” of IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi.
This also includes a possible return visit by the Argentinian to the largest European nuclear power plant. At the UN Security Council in New York, Grossi again expressed his concern about the safety of the power plant. He called on both warring parties not to bombard the nuclear facility again. Zaporizhia should not be used as a military base or weapons depot. The external power supply had to be guaranteed and the control panel had to be protected against sabotage.
Ukraine would plan attacks
Likhachev explained that Russia adheres to these guidelines. He accused Ukraine of planning attacks. “I am concerned that by not directly supporting the principles, the Kiev regime has reserved the right to a possible attack on the facility.”
Ukraine, in turn, repeatedly accuses Russia of shelling the facility. Kiev also complains that Moscow is using the nuclear power plant as a kind of fortress for its own troops.
Power plant occupied by Russians since March 2023
The nuclear power plant has been occupied by Russia since March last year. Artillery duels around the power plant site raised concerns of a nuclear disaster in the summer. The six blocks with a total net capacity of 5,700 megawatts have therefore been shut down and are only used for cooling. Observers assume that the liberation of the power plant is one of the main goals of the planned major Ukrainian offensive.
Source: Krone
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