Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Serguei Ryabkov admitted on Monday that talks with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on the establishment of a protection zone around the Zaporijia nuclear power plant have caused difficulties.
The Ukrainian nuclear facility is under the control of Russian forces that re-invaded Ukraine in February last year.
“The negotiation process is not easy,” Ryabkov said in an interview published today by the official Russian news agency RIA Novosti.
Still, Ryabkov stressed that “during the contacts” it would be a “mistake to disclose information about the possible parameters of the protection zone of the Zaporijia nuclear power plant”.
“Our goal is to do everything necessary to prevent Ukrainian attacks and avoid a man-made disaster with unforeseen consequences,” Ryabkov said.
The state secretary indicated that Moscow has already submitted proposals on the issue, but that “Kiev has not given a clear answer to the initiative of the head of the IAEA”, a United Nations body.
“Ukraine has repeatedly bombed the Zaporijia Nuclear Power Plant, causing damage to the site’s infrastructure and showing complete disregard for the potential risks,” he charged.
On the other hand, the Russian diplomat denied that the IAEA had demanded the withdrawal of the Russian National Guard troops located at the nuclear power plant.
According to Ryabkov, the withdrawal request was submitted by Ukraine and by the “western countries” that support Kiev.
“The nuclear power plant is located on Russian territory. According to our legislation, the National Guard units are responsible for the security of all Russian nuclear facilities, including the Zaporijia power plant,” added Ryabkov.
The Zaporijia region, like Kherson, Donetsk and Lugansk, was annexed by Russia on September 30 during Moscow’s military campaign against Ukraine.
Source: DN
