Ukraine’s Zaporijia nuclear power plant, the largest in Europe, “cannot be protected”. The statement was made by the director-general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, who visited the plant’s facilities on Wednesday.
“It is clear that military activity is increasing throughout the region. Therefore, the plant cannot be protected,” said Grossi, quoted by Sky News, who visited the nuclear plant for the second time since the war in Ukraine began on 24 February. , 2022.
The International Atomic Energy Agency has a team of experts at the nuclear power plant, which is in a “precarious” situation.
During the visit to Zaporijia, Grossi promised to try to promote an agreement between Russia and Ukraine to “prevent a catastrophe” at the nuclear power plant.
“I will prepare and propose realistic measures to be approved by all parties,” said Grossi, quoted by Russian news agencies.
For the director of the United Nations nuclear agency, this commitment means that the entire plant will be protected, not just a safety zone around it, on which negotiations have so far and unsuccessfully focused.
“All possible measures must be taken to protect the center against any attack,” Grossi underlined
“We are open to dialogue; we are open to answering all questions; we are open to finding solutions and mechanisms so that these solutions are focused on what is important. The priority is to ensure the nuclear safety,” the IAEA director added.
Deputy Prime Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergei Ryabkov said on Thursday, according to Sky News, that Moscow is in talks with the head of the IAEA about a security zone around the nuclear power plant. controlled by Russian troops.
Ryabkov, quoted by Russian state news agencies, said talks to establish a security zone are developing and there is “constant contact” with Rafael Grossi.
Source: DN
