The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) member states approved a resolution urging the immediate removal of unauthorized military and other personnel from Ukraine’s ZNPP, Europe’s largest nuclear power plant, and its return to Ukrainian control.
Additionally, the resolution demands the permanent placement of IAEA observers at the facility. While 69 nations backed the resolution, six countries, including China, Iran, and Russia, opposed it. Another 32 countries, including South Africa and Pakistan, chose to abstain.
Russia had taken control of the plant in March 2022, shortly after initiating a large-scale offensive in Ukraine.
IAEA’s head, Rafael Grossi, has consistently expressed concerns over the potential for a significant nuclear mishap due to the ongoing conflict.
Some IAEA inspectors have been denied access to parts of the plant by Russian authorities.
On a separate note, Russia’s Defense Ministry reported on Telegram that their forces took down 11 Ukrainian drones recently, with one dropping explosives on a substation, resulting in a power outage in the vicinity.
The incident occurred close to the border, in Belaya village, where a transformer was set ablaze by the explosives, leading to power cuts in five areas and a hospital.
The local governor cautioned residents against approaching drone wreckage due to the risk of explosions.
