Russia: Ukraine's disruption of the International Energy Agency's visit to the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant is a "reckless step"

Moscow, August 18 (KUNA) -- The Russian Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday that Kyiv’s obstruction of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi’s visit to the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant was a “reckless and irresponsible step” that threatens nuclear security. In a statement carried by the RIA Novosti news agency, the Russian Foreign Ministry expressed deep concern over what it described as “Kyiv’s provocations” aimed at thwarting Grossi’s visit scheduled for August 20 and 21, warning that attacks near the facility constitute “unacceptable” acts and endanger its safety. The ministry affirmed that preparations for Grossi’s visit had been completed and that Moscow had provided the necessary guarantees to ensure its security, but that Kyiv had threatened not to guarantee the safety of the IAEA Director General. It added that “Western support” for Ukraine was driving it to embark on “new reckless adventures” that would create threats to nuclear security, characterizing the threats issued by Kyiv ahead of Grossi’s visit as “another revelation of the mask of the Kyiv regime.” For his part, Grossi called on the military leaders responsible for the recent attacks around the Zaporizhzhia plant to halt them immediately, warning that continued military activity near the facility would exacerbate risks to nuclear safety and security. Grossi described the attacks on the plant’s bus garage and its industrial zone as “unacceptable acts,” emphasizing that any military activity near a nuclear facility could have direct repercussions on the safety of workers and the security of the plant. These developments come amid ongoing tensions surrounding the Zaporizhzhia plant, Europe’s largest nuclear power station, which houses six reactors and has been under Russian control since March 2022. The IAEA had previously confirmed in its reports that the nuclear safety and security situation at the plant remains “fragile” due to continued military activity at and around the facility. Grossi outlined five basic principles for protecting the Zaporizhzhia plant: no attacks launched from or against the plant; no use of the plant as a base for storing heavy weapons or launching attacks; ensuring the continuity of external power supplies; protection of systems, equipment, and facilities essential for safe operation; and refraining from any measures that would undermine these principles. (End) D.A.N./Sh.M.A.