NATO considers it urgent that the IAEA inspect the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant and that the Russian forces withdraw

BRUSSELS, Aug. 17 () –

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said Wednesday that it is “urgent” for the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to carry out an inspection of the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant and to guarantee the departure of Russian troops.

“The seizure of the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant by Russian forces represents a serious threat to the security of these facilities. It increases the risk of a nuclear accident or incident,” Stoltenberg warned at a press conference from Brussels after meeting with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic.

The former Norwegian Prime Minister has pointed out that the situation in the largest nuclear power plant in Europe endangers the Ukrainian population, but also other neighboring countries and the international community as a whole.

That is why Stoltenberg has demanded that an IAEA mission be urgently allowed to inspect the facilities, as well as ensure that Russian troops withdraw from them.

In this way, NATO has joined the call of a total of 42 countries and the EU that in a statement demanded the “immediate withdrawal” of the Russian forces occupying the nuclear power plant, pointing out that Russian military control supposes “a contempt for the safety and security principles of all IAEA members”.