Ukraine condemns IAEA's compliance with Russian influence
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine expressed outrage over the actions of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which were influenced by pressure from Russia.
"Russia effectively forced IAEA personnel to remain at the station for 12 weeks without rotation, significantly longer than planned, subjecting people to unprecedented psychological pressure in a high-risk area," the statement noted.
The rotation of IAEA personnel at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant took place without Ukraine's consent, prompting a sharp response from Kyiv. Ukraine sent a protest note to the IAEA leadership, highlighting that Russia bears full responsibility for these actions. "It creates artificial obstacles for international organisations operating in Ukraine, forcing them to violate Ukrainian law," it was emphasised.
According to the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Russia has effectively restricted the freedom of movement of international experts, using them as a tool of political pressure. Russia also refused to guarantee security for the IAEA staff, compelling the Agency to accept Russian conditions.
Call to end nuclear blackmail
The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the rotation conducted by the IAEA as a "humanitarian evacuation under conditions posing a threat to people's lives and health." It was stressed that only an end to Russian nuclear blackmail and the return of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant to Ukraine's control would permit genuine monitoring by the IAEA and ensure nuclear safety in Europe.
The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant is the largest facility of its kind in Europe and has been occupied by Russian forces since March 2022. Russian actions, including shelling the area around the plant, pose - according to Kyiv authorities - a radiation threat with unpredictable consequences. "Forcing the Agency to agree to Russian conditions" was explained in the statement.
