The International Atomic Energy Agency has for the first time rotated its personnel at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant without Ukraine's consent. As IZ reports with reference to Radio Liberty, the rotation took place through temporarily occupied territories guarded by the Russian military. Russian media confirmed this fact, citing statements from Rosatom. According to Russian sources, the new team includes three inspectors who are to assess the operational and physical safety of the plant.
The rotation took place despite warnings from the European Union. Journalist Rikard Jozwiak noted that this step may be part of the ambitions of IAEA head Rafael Grossi to become the next UN Secretary-General. Official representatives of the IAEA and the Ukrainian authorities have not commented on the situation so far. The date of the rotation was not disclosed, but it is known that on February 5 the rotation was postponed due to the lack of security guarantees from Russia.
This move by the IAEA has raised concerns in Ukraine and the international community. Previous attempts at a rotation with Ukraine's consent have faced difficulties due to Russia's position. The lack of reaction from Ukrainian officials and the IAEA may indicate the complexity of the situation surrounding control over the Zaporizhzhia NPP in the current conditions.
Recall, we previously wrote about how Melitopol fighters thwarted the advance of the occupiers on Zaporizhia.