IAEA Director Rafael Grossi said strong military operations near the Zaporizhhya nuclear power plant in southern Ukraine prevented the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) experts from spinning on the spot.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has permanently stationed experts at Russian-occupied power plants to monitor the situation.
Grossi said that despite written assurances from Ukraine and Russia that could be carried out safely, the situation proved too dangerous and the mission was suspended.
“I deeply regret that today the work of our employees carefully prepared and agreed to rotation was cancelled, who were engaged in important work under very challenging circumstances to help prevent nuclear accidents during military conflicts. It is completely unacceptable that the safety of our employees is compromised. . That way,” he said.
He is conducting “active consultation” with both parties to ensure the safety and persistence of the IAEA team on site.
Ukraine and Russia accused each other of preventing rotation.
A spokesman for Ukrainian Foreign Ministry accused Russia of deliberately delaying the location and timing of approving the frontline of nuclear observers.
“The Kremlin is following its usual pattern of ransomware, threatening and provoking,” Heorhii Tykhyi said in a statement.
In turn, the Russian Foreign Ministry accused Kyiv of “provocation”.
But Russia claims that the exchange in Russia was prevented by a deteriorating security situation due to Ukrainian drone attacks and mortar shootings. No evidence was provided.
IAEA observers rotate regularly, usually crossing the Russian-Ukrainian front to Kiev-controlled areas.
Shortly after the war began, the nuclear power plant in the Zaporizhzhya area was occupied by Russian troops.
Ukrainian and Russian troops repeatedly blame each other for shelling plants, the plant is located near the front line. Six reactor equipment is shut down but still needs cooling.
