Russian forces foiled an attack while IAEA experts were still in ZNPP

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On Thursday, Russian forces managed to foil an attack from Ukrainian paratroopers at the Zaporozhye nuclear power plant while some 8-12 IAEA experts remained there to continue inspections, Sputnik reported. 

Earlier today, IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi said that 8 to 12 members of his team would remain at the power plant to continue gathering data as he left for Ukrainian-controlled territories. The rest of his team were scheduled to leave on Thursday evening. 

By the end of his visit, Grossi said that there was still a lot of work to be done, so the agency would maintain a permanent presence there.

"Of course, there is a lot more to do, my team is staying on, and most importantly, we are establishing a continued presence by the IAEA here," Grossi said in a video published on Twitter.

IAEA to maintain continued presence at #Ukraine’s #Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant. https://t.co/phHkHzLtyd

— IAEA - International Atomic Energy Agency (@iaeaorg) September 1, 2022

While the remaining IAEA team members were in the power plant after Grossi's departure, Ukrainian forces attempted to launch an attack on the plant, which was quickly foiled by Russian forces.

According to local authorities, 60 Ukrainian paratroopers attempted to seize the ZNPP. The majority of Ukrainian soldiers were neutralized, while 12 remain blocked.

"We are glad that the Russian Federation did what it needed to do to keep our inspectors safe," UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said during a press briefing.

The remaining IAEA team members left the power plant later in the evening, Sputnik reported. 

Read more: Grossi: IAEA team successfully completes assessment of Zaporozhye NPP