The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) announced that it is postponing the rotation of its mission at the Zaporizhzhia NPP, which is under the control of Russia, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry reported today, Reuters reported, quoted by BTA.
Ukrainian reaction: blackmail from the Kremlin
A statement from the Ukrainian ministry states that "this is not the first time that the Kremlin has resorted to blackmail to intimidate international experts and undermine their independence". The Ministry stated that they will not allow Russia to undermine the independence of the IAEA in order to achieve "criminal goals".
Zaporozhye NPP under Russian control from 2022.
The Zaporozhye nuclear power plant, the largest in Europe, was seized by Russia shortly after the start of the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. In September of the same year, IAEA specialists were sent to the site to monitor the safety of the plant.
Grossi to visit Russia to discuss the situation
The head of the IAEA, Rafael Grossi, announced that he would visit Russia later this week to discuss the situation in Ukraine and at the Zaporozhye NPP. "It is essential, in carrying out my duties, to maintain the channels of communication at all times," Grossi said during a press conference in Kiev.
Risk of nuclear incident due to attacks on the power grid
During his visit to Kiev, Grossi inspected an electricity distribution substation and warned that attacks on Ukraine's power grid increase the risk of a nuclear incident. Although Russia has repeatedly struck Ukrainian energy infrastructure, it has avoided direct strikes on nuclear power plants, which produce more than half of the country's electricity.