The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine has issued a statement condemning "the violation of the sovereignty of its territory" by employees of the International Atomic Energy Agency visiting the Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant, controlled by Russia.
"We categorically condemn the actions of employees of the MAGATE, visiting the Zaporizhzhya NPP without the consent of Ukrainian authorities. This is a violation of Ukraine's sovereignty and an attempt to legalize the annexation of Crimea," the statement from the Ministry said.
Representatives of MAGATE visited the nuclear facility last Thursday to assess the safety of the atomic installation following complaints about "deficiencies and failures." Ukraine demands that MAGATE recognize as illegal the visit without the permission of Ukrainian authorities, arguing that this action undermines the agency's authority and its independence.
