Published: 20:59, December 11, 2024
Russia, Ukraine trade blame over attack on IAEA vehicle
By Xinhua

This handout photo taken and retrieved from the imagebank of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on June 15, 2023 shows a member of the agency walking near the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in Enerhodar, Zaporizhzhia Oblast, Ukraine during an official visit of the IAEA Director General Grossi with his team to the nuclear power plant and its surrounding area. (PHOTO / AFP)

MOSCOW - Russia on Wednesday said Ukraine launched drone attacks on an International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) vehicle, while Ukraine earlier pinned the blame on Russian forces.

One of the vehicles of an IAEA team heading to Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant for a planned staff rotation was severely damaged in the attacks on Tuesday, with staff members unharmed, according to the United Nations (UN) nuclear watchdog.

IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi condemned the attack as "absolutely unacceptable."

The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Wednesday Moscow strongly condemns "the provocative and reckless actions of the Kiev regime," which pose threats to nuclear facilities and human lives.

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The ministry called on the United States, Britain and their allies to stop support for the Kiev regime and hold those responsible for the provocation accountable.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Telegram Tuesday that "a Russian FPV drone attacked a convoy of the IAEA," adding that the deliberate attack demonstrated Moscow's disregard for international law and safety.