La France and Russia agree on the urgency of the situation. The head of Russian diplomacy, Sergey Lavrov, discussed 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 Zaporizhia.
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 statement. Sergei Lavrov assured that Ukraine continued to “bomb 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”. This power station 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 accuse each other.
“Reducing the risk of a serious nuclear accident in Europe”
The IAEA deplored in a press release the new bombardments of recent days, which “caused additional damage in the area”. “I continue to consult actively and intensely with all the parties so that this vital mission can take place without delay”, underlined the director general of this UN body, Rafael Grossi.
READ ALSOStories from Ukraine, on the front line
This visit, intended to “reduce the risk of a serious nuclear accident in Europe”, should take place “within a few days if the negotiations in progress are successful”, he added. Last week, Vladimir Putin and Emmanuel Macron called, during a telephone interview, for an inspection of the plant to be organized, “as soon as possible”.
International newsletter
Every Tuesday, receive the best of international news, and receive exclusive previews from Le Point.
The editorial staff advises you