Ukraine, Russia interested in Zaporozhye protection zone: IAEA chief
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The director general of the IAEA underlines that both Russia and Ukraine are expressing their interest in there being a safe zone at the Zaporozhye nuclear power plant.
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This handout photo taken from video and released by Russian Defense Ministry Press Service on Aug. 7, 2022, shows a general view of the Zaparozhye Nuclear Power Station in territory under Russian military control (Russian Defense Ministry Press Service via AP, File)
Ukraine and Russia are both interested in the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)'s proposal about the establishment of a safe zone around the Zaparozhye nuclear power plant (ZNPP), director general Rafael Grossi said on Monday.
There has been shelling that targeted the largest nuclear power plant in Europe and damaged six of its reactors, including by cutting power lines that help with cooling the fuel in the reactors, which could have led to a nuclear catastrophe.
Russia insists that Kiev is behind the shelling, providing evidence to the United Nations proving Ukraine's complicity in the attacks. However, the UN refused to recognize Ukraine's accountability.
On September 1, the UN agency sent a 14-person team to the site, including Rafael Grossi, to assess the situation at the plant. At least two members of the team were to remain there on a permanent basis to ensure the facility's safety.
The IAEA said Saturday the plant had been disconnected from its last remaining main power line to the grid and was relying on a reserve line.
Read next: US official admits Ukraine likely to have fired at Zaporozhye NPP
The UN nuclear watchdog chief had previously called for the parties to the conflict to immediately stop shelling and adhere to a more formal "nuclear safety and security protection zone" around the plant.
"I have seen signs that they are interested in this agreement," he said in response to a press inquiry about the progress between Moscow and Kiev. "What I see is two sides that are engaging with us, that are asking questions, lots of questions."
Among the issues being discussed is how big the zone is and the IAEA's role there, the chief said.
Grossi underlined that he was suggesting an encompassed ceasefire when asked if he was proposing a ceasefire or the removal of all military equipment or personnel.
"It includes that. It may include other things," he said. "Basically it's a commitment that no military action will include or will imply aiming, of course, at the plant, or a radius that could be affecting its normal operation. This is what we expect."
A team of 14 inspectors from IAEA headed to Zaporozhye as global concern grew over its safety in a war raging ever-closer to its six reactors, and the next day Ukraine said it had bombed a Russian base in the town of Energodar, near the ZNPP which was being assessed by United Nations inspectors due to safety concerns.
The shelling caused a blackout, compromising the safe operation of Europe's largest plant, the IAEA said Friday.
Russia regretted that the IAEA did not name the source of the shelling at the ZNPP, Russia's Ambassador to the United Nations Vassily Nebenzia said on Tuesday.
