Russia, France's defence ministers discuss situation at Zaporizhzhia NPP over phone call

As war between Russia and Ukraine goes unabated, with Ukrainian forces showing tough resilience against Kremlin attackers, reports have emerged that Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu discussed situation around  Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant with French Armed Forces Minister Sebastien Lecorn during a conversation over phone call.

"On August 25, 2022, at initiative of French side, first telephone conversation took place between Russian defence minister and French defence minister. situation around Zaporizhia NPP was discussed," ministry said in a statement.

During meeting, Russian defence minister informed his French counterpart about Russia's stance on Ukraine's actions. two leers discussed situation around NPP and noted importance of sending a mission of International Atomic Energy Agency to plant, statement ded.

IAEA likely to visit Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant in days

Meanwhile, reports have emerged that International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) will visit Zaporizhia nuclear power plant in coming days as Ukraine has informed Agency about recently renewed shelling in region that is posing a threat to nuclear safety.

"se incidents show why IAEA must be able to send a mission to Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant very soon. I’m continuing to consult very actively and intensively with all parties so that this vital IAEA mission can take place without furr delay. IAEA’s presence will help stabilise nuclear safety and security situation at site and reduce risk of a severe nuclear accident in Europe," said Director General Grossi.

" mission is expected to take place within next few days if ongoing negotiations succeed," he ded.

UK says Russia maintains heightened military presence at Zaporizhzhia NPP

Meanwhile, UK Defence Ministry, in its daily intelligence update, claimed that Russian forces maintained an enhanced military presence at Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. attackers were also attempting to conceal vehicles by parking m under overhe pipes and gantries, said statement.

"In early March, Russian ground forces assaulted and seized Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP). On August 21, 2022, imagery indicated that Russia maintained an enhanced military presence at site, with armoured personnel carriers deployed within 60 metres of reactor number five, " intelligence update furr stated," Russian troops were probably attempting to conceal vehicles by parking m under overhe pipes and gantries." It furr noted that Kremlin troops are fully prepared to destroy any Ukrainian military activity near Zaporizhzhia only to run its propaganda.

Image: AP/ Representative