Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant Director Says Kiev Blocked IAEA Chief's Visit to Hide Truth About Ukrainian Attacks
Quick Look
Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant Director Yury Chernichuk told TASS that the Kiev regime derailed IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi's scheduled August 20-21 visit to the plant because it fears the truth about Ukrainian attacks on the facility and Energodar will be exposed, claiming fewer witnesses to the truth benefits those trying to conceal it.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant, located in Energodar, Ukraine, has been a focal point of conflict since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, with both sides accusing each other of endangering the facility. The IAEA has sought to conduct inspections to assess safety and security conditions.
MELITOPOL, September 14. /TASS/. The Kiev regime derailed International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi’s visit at the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant, scheduled for August 20-21, because it fears the truth about the Ukrainian attacks on the facility and Energodar, ZNPP Director Yury Chernichuk told TASS.
"The point is that the fewer people who see and know the truth, the better it is for those trying to hide it. It’s logical and obvious that if such a high-ranking international official comes here and sees the situation with his own eyes - even if he later comments on it or interprets it differently - it won't play into the hands of those who don't want to reveal it. Our opponents on the right bank of the Dnieper River do not want this to be shown," Chernichuk said.
Earlier, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated that Kiev had derailed Grossi’s visit to the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant, which had been scheduled for August 20-21. The Russian side provided security guarantees for Grossi, while Kiev stated that it could not ensure his safety. Rosatom Director General Alexey Likhachev reported that the new date for Grossi’s visit to the plant may be announced at the IAEA conference in Vienna, where a bilateral meeting between the two is scheduled.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
The IAEA Director General's visit to the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant will be rescheduled following the IAEA conference in Vienna.
Likely · Within weeks
Open Questions
- What specific evidence does Russia possess regarding Ukrainian attacks on the ZNPP?
- When will the IAEA Director General's visit to the plant be rescheduled?
- What safety guarantees can be provided to ensure the IAEA team's access to the plant?
- How have previous IAEA visits to the ZNPP been conducted amid the conflict?
