Russia Urges IAEA for Clearer Nuclear Safety Stand

Russia has called for the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to adopt a more objective stance on nuclear safety. This comes after IAEA chief, Rafael Grossi, inspected damage at the Kursk nuclear plant, which Russia attributes to a Ukrainian drone strike. Issues of nuclear safety have remained a contentious point amid ongoing conflicts.

Russia urged the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on Wednesday to adopt a clearer and more objective position on nuclear safety. This appeal came a day after IAEA chief Rafael Grossi inspected the Kursk nuclear plant, near the site of a Ukrainian incursion.

Grossi visited the facility on Tuesday and expressed concerns about the risk of a nuclear accident. He reviewed damage reportedly caused by a drone strike, which Russia blamed on Ukraine. However, Grossi abstained from naming the responsible party. Maria Zakharova, a spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, reiterated Russia's desire for the IAEA to take a fact-based stand on nuclear security, aiming to ensure safety and prevent catastrophe.

The conflict has not seen Ukraine respond to allegations of attacking the plant. The IAEA has consistently urged both nations to avoid military actions near nuclear facilities to avert a potentially devastating incident. Grossi highlighted the plant's vulnerability due to its lack of a containment dome.

(With inputs from agencies.)