Russia introduced early this morning a regime of anti-terrorist operation in three regions bordering Ukraine, Russian intelligence agencies reported, citing representatives of the authorities.
Regional governors and the National Anti-Terrorism Committee were quoted as saying the emergency measures would affect the Kursk region, where Moscow's forces are fighting Ukrainian units that have invaded Russian soil, and Belgorod and Bryansk regions, Reuters reported, citing BTA.
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According to the RIA Novosti agency, the introduced special regime includes measures such as possible temporary relocation of local residents to safe areas, restriction of transport in certain areas, increased security around sensitive sites and monitoring of telephone and other communications.
Meanwhile, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has called for caution at a time when fighting between Ukrainian and Russian forces is drawing closer to the Russian nuclear power plant in the Kursk region, where Ukrainian units have launched a large-scale offensive, France Press reported, quoted by BTA .
"At this stage, I would like to call on all countries to exercise maximum restraint in order to avoid a nuclear accident that could have serious radiation consequences," IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi said in a statement.
He indicated that he "is personally in contact with the competent authorities in both countries" and will "continue to inform the international community" about the situation.
According to a press release of the Russian authorities, quoted by the RIA agency, the plant is “functioning normally”, and the radiation background is also normal.