The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has in fact expressed its opposition to Russia, which is occupying Europe’s largest nuclear power plant, Ukraine’s Zaporiza nuclear power plant, insisting on nationalization and controlling its operation rights.
According to AFP and Archyde.com, IAEA Secretary-General Rafael Grosi met reporters while visiting the Ukrainian capital Kiiu on the 6th (local time) and said, “The Zaporiza nuclear power plant is a Ukrainian facility.”
“This is a matter of international law and it is clear that Ukrainian state-owned nuclear power plant Energoatom owns the nuclear power plant,” Grosi said, noting that Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered control of the operation of the Zaporiza nuclear power plant.
The Zaporiza nuclear power plant area has been occupied by Russia, which invaded Ukraine in March, and the facility has been operated by Ukrainian nuclear power company Enirgoatom employees.
The risk of radioactive material leakage has risen as the nuclear power plant has been bombarded with damage since last August.
Since last month, the IAEA has proposed making the Zaporiza nuclear power plant a demilitarized safe zone, and has been discussing with Russia and Ukraine, but has not seen any clear progress.
Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the previous day that he would nationalize the Zaporiza nuclear power plant as a Russian asset.
The Ukrainian side is arguing that the right to operate the nuclear power plant still belongs to its own company, Energoatom.
After Kiiu, Secretary-General Grosi plans to visit Moscow, the Russian capital, to discuss ways to establish a safe zone around the Zaporiza nuclear power plant.
/yunhap news