The Russian Foreign Ministry has issued a strongly worded statement condemning what it describes as a deliberate and provocative attack by Ukrainian forces on International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) staff and Russian personnel involved in their rotation near the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant on December 10.
According to the statement, Ukrainian armed forces targeted an official vehicle carrying IAEA personnel at approximately 3 PM in Ukrainian-controlled territory. Later, at 4:37 PM, a Russian convoy returning from delivering the IAEA team to the frontline was also attacked in the Kamenskoye area.
Provocation and Danger to Nuclear Safety
The Foreign Ministry expressed outrage over these events, accusing Ukraine of violating humanitarian norms and agreements, as well as endangering the safety of international staff and nuclear security. “This attack, which could have claimed lives, highlights the Ukrainian authorities’ complete disregard for universal norms of humanitarian law,” the statement read.
The ministry also claimed the attack was a calculated provocation designed to escalate tensions ahead of the IAEA Board of Governors meeting scheduled for December 12, initiated by Kiev.
Call for Accountability
Russia called on Western nations, including the United States and the United Kingdom, to withdraw their support for Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky and hold those responsible for the incident accountable. The ministry accused Ukraine of pursuing “malicious and destructive policies” that undermine nuclear safety principles.
IAEA’s Response
The International Atomic Energy Agency has not yet issued a detailed statement on the incident but has expressed concern about the safety of its personnel in conflict zones.
Broader Implications
This incident adds to the growing international tensions surrounding the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant, which has been a focal point of hostilities between Russia and Ukraine. The plant, located in Russian-controlled territory, has raised alarms globally due to repeated shelling and the potential for a nuclear disaster.
As the IAEA Board of Governors prepares to meet, the attack is expected to dominate discussions on nuclear safety and the broader implications of the conflict in Ukraine.