U.S. aware of reports that Russians have abused ZNPP staff - State Department

18.08.2022 23:58

Ukrinform

The U.S. State Department said they are aware of reports that Russian forces have abused staff at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant.

According to an Ukrinform correspondent, the relevant report was published by CNN with reference to U.S. State Department spokesperson Ned Price.

“The US State Department said they are ‘aware of reports that Russian personnel have abused and coerced’ staff at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine,” the report reads.

According to Price, Russia’s actions are “reckless”.

"We applaud the Ukrainian authorities and operators for their commitment to nuclear safety and security under the most trying of circumstances. The United States condemns in the strongest terms Russia's reckless disregard for nuclear safety and security,” the State Department spokesperson said.

Price said the International Atomic Energy Agency must be allowed access to the plant “to help ensure the safety and security of the plant and monitoring of its nuclear material.”

As reported, Russian troops seized Zaporizhzhia NPP on March 4, 2022. Since then, Russian invaders had been deploying military equipment and ammunition within the site of Zaporizhzhia NPP, and causing terror against its personnel.