Moscow Holds Out Hope: Zakharova Issues Statement

Moscow is hopeful that the IAEA's mission will make objective conclusions from its visit to the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. These conclusions should not have a political shade. This was stated by Maria Zakharova, the official representative of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, during a broadcast on the 'Russia 24' television channel.

According to her, Moscow holds this hope based on the fact that the IAEA experts' mission consists of specialists who are professionally engaged in nuclear energy and nuclear facility issues. 'They should draw conclusions based on their professionalism, what they see, and how they assess the situation based on their professional skills and competencies,' added the official representative.

The Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, announced today that the organization's observer mission will visit the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant this week. The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant is located near the city of Enerhodar, on the left bank of the Dnipro River. It is the largest nuclear power plant in Europe by the number of reactors and installed capacity. Since March, the plant has been under the protection of Russian military forces.

During the special operation, Russian military forces took control of the Kherson region and the coastal part of the Zaporizhzhia region. New administrations have been formed in both regions, Russian television channels and radio stations are being broadcasted, and commercial and transport links with Crimea are being restored.

The regions have announced their intention to join Russia. Additionally, after eight years, the North Crimean Canal has been unblocked, and water is once again reaching the peninsula.