RT.com
24 Nov 2022, 23:44 GMT+10
Russia has repeatedly accused Ukraine of targeting the site, risking a potential disaster
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is well aware of who exactly is shelling the Zaporozhye nuclear power plant (ZNPP), Russia's ambassador to UN organizations in Vienna, Mikhail Ulyanov, told RIA on Thursday.
"Four IAEA representatives are currently at the plant [and] they are well aware of where the fire comes from," the official said. Moscow has repeatedly accused Kiev of shelling the ZNPP, while Kiev maintains it is a Russian "false-flag" operation. The Ukrainian military openly admitted targeting the ZNPP area in September.
"We are publicly saying that it is high time one called a spade a spade," Ulyanov said in the wake of renewed shelling this week, which put it at risk of a nuclear disaster, according to Moscow.
"IAEA Director General [Rafael Grossi] avoids making any direct statements so far, possibly because the IAEA Charter lacks ... a mandate ... of determining the guilty party in such situations," Ulyanov told RIA. The official believes that a direct call from the UN nuclear watchdog for Ukraine to stop shelling the power plant would "certainly" contribute to easing tensions around the facility.
Russia is ready to "use every means at our disposal, to ensure the security" of the IAEA specialists stationed at the power plant, Ulyanov said, adding that they are much safer there than in the nearby city of Energodar, which is also "regularly and massively shelled."
His words came just days after further shelling of the ZNPP, which prompted the head of the Russian nuclear energy corporation, Rosatom, Alexey Likhachev, to warn about the risk of a "nuclear disaster." Moscow also contacted the IAEA and asked it to publicly identify those behind the attack.
Grossi met Likhachev in Türkiye on Wednesday, where the IAEA chief called for a "nuclear safety and security protection zone" around the plant - something his agency has been pushing for since September. According to Ulyanov, consultations on a draft proposal presented by the IAEA are still ongoing. Moscow has already offered its suggestions for the document while Kiev has yet to do so, the Russian diplomat explained.
(RT.com)
Get a daily dose of Europe Sun news through our daily email, its complimentary and keeps you fully up to date with world and business news as well.
Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Europe Sun.
More InformationWASHINGTON, D.C.: President Donald Trump will meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on Monday. President...
GENEVA, Switzerland: A new United Nations report alleges that dozens of global corporations are profiting from and helping sustain...
LONDON, UK - Lawmakers in the United Kingdom have voted overwhelmingly to proscribe the direct-action group Palestine Action as a terrorist...
DHARAMSHALA, India: The Dalai Lama is set to address a significant three-day conference of Buddhist leaders this week, coinciding with...
WASHINGTON, D.C.: In a significant ruling last week, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld a Texas law requiring age verification for users...
ISTANBUL/PARIS/BRUSSELS: As searing temperatures blanket much of Europe, wildfires are erupting and evacuation orders are being issued...
SAN FRANCISCO, California: Grammarly is doubling down on AI-powered productivity tools with the acquisition of Superhuman, a sleek...
NEW YORK, New York -U.S. stock markets closed with broad gains on Thursday, led by strong performances in U.S. tech stocks, while European...
LONDON/STOCKHOLM: The Persson family is ramping up its investment in the H&M fashion empire, fueling renewed speculation about a potential...
PARIS, France: L'Oréal is making a fresh play in the booming premium haircare segment with a new acquisition. The French beauty conglomerate...
MENLO PARK, California: Robinhood is giving European investors a new way to tap into America's most prominent tech names — without...
NEW YORK, New York - U.S. stocks diverged on Wednesday for the second day in a row. The Standard and Poor's 500 hit a new all-time...