No safety guarantees for IAEA mission to Zaporizhia NPP until it’s occupied by Russia, say Ukraine officials

That’s according to the agency’s statement issued by the press service, Ukrinform reports.

"At the meeting with IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi, a mutual understanding was reached that it is not possible to ensure the safety of the IAEA mission to the Zaporizhia NPP, in the conditions of the NPP’s occupation by Russian troops. The only solution that can ensure the safe operation of the NPP is its complete de-occupation and return to Ukraine’s control. The parties agreed to do everything possible to achieve this goal," the statement reads.

The inspection also drew Mr. Grossi's attention to the fact that Russia, in its presentation posted on the closed website of the United Convention on June 29, 2022, indicated the territory of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol as constituent part of the Russian Federation.

"Such actions on the part of the Russian Federation are an attempt to legitimize the annexation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol, which contradicts a number of resolutions of the UN General Assembly. The Director General of the IAEA supported Ukraine's position on the said issue," the regulator added.

As reported, the Zaporizhia NPP has been temporarily occupied by Russian troops since March 4. Representatives of Russia’s nuclear operator Rosatom have also been illegally staying at the ZNPP site for a substantial period of time. Currently, there are about 500 Russian soldiers, heavy equipment, tanks, and explosives at the station.

Earlier, Ukraine’s Energoatom experts restored contact, previously lost between the ZNPP and the International Atomic Energy Agency.