Russian Foreign Ministry calls Kiev's resolution an attempt to divert attention from the attack on the IAEA

The Kiev regime is trying to distract the world's attention from the attack on the agency's employees. This was stated by the official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry (MFA), Maria Zakharova, on December 13, her words are quoted on the agency's website.

"It is clear that the Ukrainian side does not want to admit its guilt and is trying by all means to divert international attention from the crime committed by it, the circumstances of which are obvious to everyone," Zakharova said, commenting on the adoption of the Ukrainian draft resolution by the IAEA Board of Governors.

It is noted that 22 states voted in favor of the resolution, most of them being Western countries. More influential countries refused to support the resolution in order not to encourage Ukraine's criminal actions, the diplomat added.

According to Zakharova, the adopted document proves that the US and its allies use any international apparatuses for their own purposes, unrelated to the tasks of such mechanisms. She explained that there is a provision in the resolution, the implementation of which exceeds the IAEA's authority.

Zakharova also expressed approval of the decisions of the states that refused to support the resolution. According to her, such countries do not agree that the IAEA is used to satisfy the interests of the West.

Earlier, on December 10, it was reported that a regular rotation of IAEA mission observers was held at the ZNPP, which was provided by Russian servicemen. It was noted that before starting the movement, Russian sappers checked the area for unexploded foreign and Ukrainian munitions. After the reconnaissance, the RF Armed Forces ensured the observers' safe passage to the station.

Later that day, Grossi issued a statement that the agency's official vehicle on the road to the ZNPP was attacked by a drone. At the time, he said that there were no casualties as a result of the strike. The IAEA Director General also condemned what had happened and called for respect.

At the same time, the Russian Foreign Ministry said that it strongly condemns Kiev's attack on experts of the IAEA secretariat during their visit to the Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant. The ministry also pointed to the Ukrainian authorities' complete disregard for humanitarian law and any agreements reached, as well as Kiev's disrespect for the staff of international organizations.

Zaporizhzhya region, where the nuclear power plant is located, became part of the Russian Federation following a referendum in September 2022. Since then, Zaporizhzhya NPP has been under constant IAEA control.