Russia accuses Ukraine of attacking IAEA convoy near Zaporizhzhia

By Alperen Aktas

ISTANBUL (AA) – Russia on Thursday accused Ukraine of attacking a convoy carrying International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) experts near the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, as a planned a rotation of a mission by monitors was canceled.

According to a statement by the Defense Ministry, the convoy, which included ministry personnel, was struck by artillery and drone attacks near the agreed meeting point.

The ministry claimed Ukrainian forces used artillery and drones, disrupting a planned rotation of inspectors. The convoy, it said, was targeted multiple times, forcing it to turn back.

The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, the largest in Europe, has been under Russian control since March 2022, with both Moscow and Kyiv frequently accusing each other of endangering its safety.

The IAEA has maintained a presence at the site to monitor its security and operational status.

The head of the UN nuclear watchdog said intense military activity had prompted the cancelation.​​​​​​​