The head of Russian diplomacy, Sergei Lavrov, discussed this Tuesday with his French counterpart, Catherine Colonna, the possible visit of inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to the Ukrainian nuclear power plant in Zaporizhya.
During a telephone conversation, “they discussed in detail the situation around the plant and the existing opportunities to organize a visit during an IAEA mission,” the Russian minister explained in a press release, also highlighted by France Diplomatie.
Sergei Lavrov assured that Ukraine continued “bombing the largest nuclear power plant in Europe, as well as its adjacent area, which exposes the entire European population to the danger of a nuclear disaster.”
“Reduce the risk of a serious nuclear accident in Europe”
This power plant in southern Ukraine has been occupied since the beginning of March by the Russian army. It has become the target in recent weeks of strikes of which Moscow and Kyiv blame each other.
The IAEA deplored in a press release the new bombardments in recent days, which “caused additional damage in the area.” “I continue to actively and intensively consult with all parties so that this vital mission can be carried out without delay,” said the director general of this UN body, Rafael Grossi.
This visit, aimed at “reducing the risk of a serious nuclear accident in Europe,” should take place “within a few days if the ongoing negotiations are successful,” he added.
Last week, Russian Presidents Vladimir Putin and French President Emmanuel Macron called during a telephone interview to organize an inspection of the plant “as soon as possible”.
Source: BFM TV
