IAEA should declare that Russian military, weapons at ZNPP “threat to nuclear safety” - energy minister

That’s according to Ukraine’s Minister of Energy, German Galushchenko, who spoke at a national telethon, Ukrinform reports citing the ministry’s press service.

"The IAEA mission must state that the presence of the military, the presence of weapons at the plant is a real threat to nuclear safety. This is obvious," Galushchenko emphasized.

According to the minister, mission specialists, who will remain at the site for a few days, should assess the actual situation at the NPP and provide detailed information and recommendations on ensuring nuclear safety.

"The part of the mission that currently remains at the plant will be key. It is planned that they will stay there for three to four days. We have many common approaches to the technical issues that need to be evaluated at the plant. In fact, IAEA specialists recognize violations of the key fundamental principles of nuclear safety due to the invaders’ actions," Galushchenko said.

He noted that the IAEA recommendations and reports should be sent to Ukraine, the operating organization of the nuclear power plant, which is Energoatom.

"And we must implement these recommendations, eliminate the consequences of the barbaric actions on the part of the occupiers. But to this end, we must gain access to the station. Control of the plant must be returned to Ukraine," the minister emphasized.

As reported, the mission of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) led by its head Rafael Grossi on September 1 visited the Zaporizhia NPP, captured by Russian forces.

Five representatives of the IAEA mission remained at the ZNPP.

The ZNPP, the largest nuclear power plant in Europe, has been captured by the Russian military pm March 4. Since then, the invaders have deployed military equipment and ammunition on the site of the plant, shelling the surrounding area.

The United Nations, the United States, and Ukraine have called on the Russian Federation to withdraw military equipment and personnel from the nuclear facility.