Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Tuesday that he has been “open to dialogue” with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) since March about the situation at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in southern Ukraine and controlled by the Russian Federation.
Putin met IAEA chief Rafael Grossi in St.
“In any case, we are open to this dialogue,” said the Russian President.
In response, Argentinian Grossi said he expected an “important discussion” on “nuclear security” and especially on issues related to the Zaporizhzhia power plant.
“As you know, I have made an effort to prevent a nuclear accident in this region in general and in particular, which could be very damaging,” said Grossi.
For months, Moscow and Kyiv have accused each other of bombing the Russian-controlled power plant, located close to the front lines.
Last week, Russia officially took over the buildings it had occupied since March in a move condemned by Kyiv.
Russia is occupying the territory of the facility militarily, and Putin, condemned by the international community, demanded the annexation of four Ukrainian regions where the referendums were held – Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, Donetsk and Luhansk.
The IAEA, which has had observers at this facility since the beginning of September, has rejected the Russian takeover and continues to view the Zaporizhzhia facility as Ukrainian.
Just before Putin’s meeting with Grossi in St Petersburg, Ukrainian nuclear operator Energoatom accused Russia of “kidnapping” and ill-treating Valeri Martiniuk, deputy chief of Human Resources at the Zaporizhzhia plant, and asked the IAEA to release him.
source: Noticias
