Russians will not leave Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, but are allegedly not opposed to "safety zone"

OLENA ROSHCHINA — MONDAY, 24 OCTOBER 2022, 08:57

The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia, Sergei Ryabkov, has stated that a protective zone around the Zaporizhzhia NPP is necessary, but the demilitarisation of the ZNPP is impossible.

Source: Russian newspaper Izvestia

Details: Ryabkov has stated that the Russians are "in close contact" with the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, and claims that this is a sign of the "constructive and responsible approach" of the Russian Federation, which has "nothing to hide."

According to Ryabkov, Russia is ready to discuss a protective zone or security zone, but not the demilitarisation of the Zaporizhzhia NPP.

Quote from Sergei Ryabkov: "Agreements on demilitarisation are in general impossible: we cannot but guard the station, in order to ensure its security. The protective zone is another matter, its parameters are under discussion. We believe that some process of agreement, in particular a diplomatic one, with the [IAEA] agency on the parameters of such a protective zone is not just possible - it is necessary."

Background: The Director General of the IAEA, Rafael Grossi, has said that an agreement on the safety zone around the Zaporizhzhia NPP can be achieved by the end of the year.

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