Russia has expressed “deep concern” over the United’ Nations’ behaviour regarding the rotation of International Atomic Energy Agency staff at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in southeast Ukraine.

In a statement on Wednesday (22 February), Russia’s foreign ministry said the IAEA was “disrupting” the scheduled changeover of IAEA staff stationed at the station, which is under the control of Russian forces, “without good reason”.

The strongly worded statement followed an appeal by IAEA director-general Rafael Grossi for “constructive efforts by all involved parties to allow this month’s already delayed rotation of agency experts to and from Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station, where they are helping to ensure nuclear safety and security during the military conflict”.

Grossi stressed the importance of the continued presence of the IAEA support and assistance mission at the six-unit Zaporizhzhia, Europe’s largest nuclear power station.