Ukraine Staged Troop-Landing Provocation Near ZNPP to Disrupt IAEA Mission's Visit, Says Russian MoD

In recent weeks, the situation at the Zaporozhye nuclear power plant (ZNPP) has been tense as the site has been shelled by Ukrainians every day.

Russia's Defense Ministry said on Thursday that Ukrainian troops which landed on the coast of the Kakhovka reservoir tried to seize the Zaporozhye nuclear power plant.

"Today, at about 06:00 Moscow time [03:00 GMT], Ukrainian troops, in two sabotage groups of up to 60 people in seven boats, landed on the coast of the Kakhovka reservoir, three kilometers [2 miles] northeast of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant and attempted to seize the power plant," the ministry said.

The ministry added that "measures have been taken to destroy the enemy, including with the use of army aviation".

Ukrainian troops have been shelling the meeting site of the mission of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) near the Zaporozhye nuclear power plant since Thursday morning, the Russian defense ministry said.

"Since 8:00 Moscow time [05:00 GMT], the Ukrainian armed forces have been shelling the meeting site of the IAEA mission in the area of ​​the city of Vasylivka and the Zaporozhye nuclear power plant. Four shells exploded at a distance of 400 meters [1,312 feet] from the first power unit," the ministry said in a statement.

Ukraine's provocation is aimed at disrupting the arrival of the IAEA expert group at the plant, the ministry added.

International Atomic Energy Agency officials are set to arrive at the ZNPP to assess damage and conditions at the facility.

Earlier, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, expressed confidence that the agency's mission to the Zaporozhye nuclear power plant could be carried out safely upon arrival.

The Zaporozhye NPP, located on the left bank of the Dneper River near Energodar, is the largest nuclear power plant in Europe in terms of the number of units and output. During a military operation in Ukraine, the nuclear plant and surrounding fell under control by the Russian forces. According to the Russian Defense Ministry, the city of Energodar, nearby villages and the Zaporozhye NPP have recently been a target of intensive shelling by Ukrainian forces. Kiev, in turn, has blamed Russia for the shelling.

The situation around the Zaporozhye NPP raises international concerns over a possible nuclear disaster.

On February 24, Russia began a military operation in Ukraine, responding to calls for help from the republics of Donetsk and Lugansk. As part of the mission, the Russian armed forces have established control over the Azov coast in the Zaporozhye region and the entire Kherson region. New administrations have been formed in both regions, which have announced their plans to hold referendums to join Russia. Terror acts have been recorded in the Moscow-controlled territories since then.