Despite the intensive shelling in the Russian–occupied territory, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) mission finally reached Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant on Thursday, 1 September, informs Ukrainian media The Kyiv Independent.
After touring the plant, IAEA chief Rafael Grossi said his inspectors were «not going anywhere» and five IAEA inspectors to remain at the plant, Ukraine’s state nuclear company says.
Inspectors will assess physical damage to the plant, ensure its safety and security systems are functional, evaluate the conditions of the facility’s staff and later would produce a report on their findings.
Ukraine accused Russia of not letting journalists visit Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant.
President Volodymyr Zelensky said that only Kremlin propagandists were present during a mission by the International Atomic Energy Agency at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in Russian–occupied Enerhodar.
He also said that Russia had intimidated residents of Enerhodar and forced people to lie to IAEA representatives. Zelensky said Russian troops are trying to turn this visit «into a fruitless tour of the plant,» but he hopes that the mission will «draw objective conclusions.»
Meanwhile, Operational Command reported that Russian forces continue sustaining significant losses in southern Ukraine. They killed 102 Russian troops and destroyed six tanks, eight armoured vehicles, and five ammunition depots on Thursday, 1 September.
European countries continue to provide assistance to Ukraine.
Swedish government announced it will be buying at least 40 000 tons of Ukrainian grain for countries where the risk of famine is currently at its highest, such as Ethiopia, Yemen and Afghanistan.
President Volodymyr Zelensky held a meeting with Denmark’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Jeppe Kofod, after which the president said the country pledged to provide Ukraine with winter uniforms for Ukraine’s Armed Forces. The Finnish Defense Ministry announced the aid package worth 8.2 million dollars, but did not disclose the content, delivery time or location.
The MS ship Ambition will join the MS Victoria which has been docked in Edinburgh since July. Both ships will temporarily house Ukrainian refugees in Scotland and will provide access to restaurants, child play facilities, medical services and other necessities. The MS Ambition can accommodate 1 750 people in 714 cabins