Russia has once again obstructed the rotation of IAEA experts at the ZNPP

This was reported by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Heorhiy Tykhyi.

"Today, February 12, Russia once again deliberately disrupted the rotation of IAEA experts at the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant. The Kremlin operates according to its usual scheme of blackmail, threats, and provocations. This time, the occupiers used armed attackers with white flags at the zone of crossing between territories controlled by Ukraine and the temporarily occupied zone to thwart the rotation. This is where the IAEA representatives were supposed to make the transition," Tykhyi stated.

He emphasized that the scenario for disrupting rotations is always similar. First, the Russian side delays agreeing on the location and time of the rotation, then gives vague signals about supposedly being ready to guarantee safe passage, but an hour before the rotation begins, they open fire or start military actions in this zone. After this, Russian attackers appear with white flags and IAEA flags, and Moscow declares that "everything is ready" for the mission.

"These actions are repeated not for the first time, but the security risks are increasing each time. By organizing such provocations, Russia attempts to force the IAEA to violate the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine and to send international experts to the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant through temporarily occupied territories. Meanwhile, Moscow blackmails the Agency with a complete blockade of the mission’s work. Russian pressure on the IAEA is unacceptable, and we demand the international community protect the Agency from Russian blackmail," stated the MFA spokesperson.

Tykhyi emphasized that in three years of occupation, Russia has led the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant to degradation, turning the largest nuclear power plant in Europe into a military base.

"This is part of a broader strategy of nuclear threats by Russia and its use of energy as a weapon. The presence of the IAEA hinders Russia from implementing this plan, so it systematically pressures the Agency, tries to undermine its authority, and creates conditions under which independent oversight becomes impossible," he noted.

The MFA spokesperson expressed confidence that the Kremlin’s attempts to compel the IAEA to violate the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine will not succeed.

"Ukraine will not allow Russia to use the Agency to legitimize the occupation and will not undermine the independence of the IAEA. We call on the international community to firmly support the IAEA so that Russia finally realizes that its tactics of blackmail and threats will not work," Tykhyi emphasized.