Kyiv, 18 August 2022 (TDI): Foreign Minister of Ukraine, Dmytro Kuleba announced that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) accepted their invitation.

The proposal to visit Zaporizhzhia nuclear facility by the Ukrainian government was accepted by the IAEA’s Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi.  

Kuleba requested on behalf of Ukraine to the IAEA consider their delegation’s visit on an urgent basis. The government of Ukraine believes that it is one of the major diplomatic breakthroughs in their ongoing conflict with Russia.  

 President Zelenskyi urges IAEA to make a quick move 

The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky had clearly stated that the visit by the delegation of IAEA must be considered on a quick basis. He added that diplomacy in such times when Ukraine conflicts with Russia is important. 

Zelensky further stated that the nuclear scientists along with the diplomats of Ukraine are in constant communication with officials of the IAEA.

He also added that they are working on a framework to organize a quick visit for the IAEA’s delegation to Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. 

According to Ukrainian authorities, Russia’s military activities were responsible actions for creating the nuclear crisis in Zaporizhzhia nuclear facility.

Zelensky had stated that the Russian military must withdraw from the territory where the nuclear facility is situated. He also added that Ukraine will procure the way for the IAEA to control the Zaporizhzhia nuclear facility.

Adding the remarks that Ukraine is following all the principles of international law to ensure nuclear security that will not only benefit Ukraine but the international community. 

Russia’s stance on Ukraine’s invitation to the IAEA 

The Russian government had remained critical of the announcement of the Ukrainian government to let the IAEA’s delegation visit Zaporizhzhia nuclear facility.

The Spokesman of the Russian Ministry of Defense added that Russia will be blamed for the “false flag provocation” by Ukraine. 

The Spokesman added, “Russia will be blamed for the man-made catastrophe”. He also added that Russia already has its duty of protecting the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.