International atomic monitors are for the first time traveling through Russian territory rather than Ukraine to reach Europe’s biggest nuclear-power plant, said three diplomats briefed on the matter — a blow to Kyiv’s desire to avoid international recognition of the Kremlin’s ownership claims.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has started using Russian territory to staff the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant in Ukraine, marking a significant shift from the original plan to travel through Ukrainian territory. This decision, made due to the dangerous line of contact between Ukrainian and Russian forces, has drawn a protest from Ukraine, which fears it undermines its territorial integrity. The IAEA’s director general, Rafael Grossi, deemed crossing the conflict zone too risky, despite Ukraine and some European countries urging an attempt. The move is seen as a diplomatic setback for Ukraine, which is also facing challenges as the US deepens its split with allies over the Russia-Ukraine war.
