UN’s International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) announced on Monday that it will carry out inspections at the Russian-controlled Zaporizhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine this week.
The announcement comes after months of negotiations during which the agency sought access to the facility.
The Ukrainian employees work in the plant under orders from Russian forces, which threatens the safety of Europe’s largest nuclear plant, the atomic energy agency said.
The mission led by IAEA director general Rafael Grossi will evaluate any damage caused by the recent bombing near the plant in Zaporizhia, for which both sides accuse each other the responsibility.
“We must protect the safety and security of the largest nuclear facility in Ukraine and Europe,” Grossi said on his twitter account.
He expressed his proud to lead this mission in Zaporeggia later this week.
The agency didn’t declare when to arrive at the station, while the Ukraine’s energy ministry said it would not comment on the IAEA mission’s flight for security reasons.
That the mission would implement urgent safeguards, referring to the tracing of nuclear materials, IAEA said.
The day has come, @IAEAorg's Support and Assistance Mission to #Zaporizhzhya (ISAMZ) is now on its way. We must protect the safety and security of #Ukraine’s and Europe’s biggest nuclear facility. Proud to lead this mission which will be in #ZNPP later this week. pic.twitter.com/tyVY7l4SrM
— Rafael MarianoGrossi (@rafaelmgrossi) August 29, 2022
