IAEA has no decision on withdrawal of Russian troops from seized NPPs
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) does not have a decision on the issue of the withdrawal of Russian occupation troops from the nuclear power plants they have seized, offering technical and expert assistance instead, Energoatom head Petro Kotin has said.
"We are doing everything to get firm steps from them. They respond to us with offers of help, experts, but there is no solution on the main issue," he said on the air of the Freedom project on Thursday.
"The IAEA and its Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi believe that this is a political decision, a multi-way one, he cannot advocate such a cardinal decision at once and demand the withdrawal of troops, he must take several steps, conduct additional consultations," Kotin said.
At the same time, the head of Energoatom pointed out that the IAEA understands the complexity of the situation with the seizure of nuclear power plants and the looming threats over other nuclear facilities due to the shelling of Ukrainian territory by Russian troops.
"In principle, there is an understanding of the situation on the part of the IAEA and its director general. As well as an understanding that we cannot ensure nuclear and radiation safety without our full physical presence there. And ensure control over the nuclear material that is located there," he explained.
At the same time, the head of Energoatom noted that under such conditions the IAEA cannot exercise control over nuclear material, which is the main function and purpose of its creation.
According to him, all these issues were discussed during Grossi's visit to Ukraine, and in particular, to the Yuzhnoukrainsk NPP on March 30, and certain proposals were made from his side.
"These issues were discussed, proposals from the IAEA were outlined, four points on which we need to move forward. Now their proposals are being discussed, we will prepare answers for them within 3-4 days," Kotin explained the situation, without disclosing details.
At the same time, he noted that the Russian troops, having been exposed to radiation, are leaving the Chornobyl nuclear power plant.