Moscow says Ukraine 'taking Europe hostage' by shelling nuclear plant

(This content material was produced in Russia, the place the legislation restricts protection of Russian army operations in Ukraine.)

MOSCOW – Russia on Monday accused Kyiv of attempting to “take Europe hostage” by shelling the Zaporizhzhia nuclear energy plant in southern Ukraine.

In an announcement, Russia’s international ministry stated it needed the Worldwide Atomic Vitality Company (IAEA) to go to the plant, Europe’s largest nuclear facility, however that Kyiv was blocking a possible go to.

“They're taking the entire of Europe hostage and will not be in opposition to setting hearth to it for the sake of their Nazi idols,” Overseas Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated.

Russia has stated for months its army marketing campaign in Ukraine is aimed to “de-nazify” Ukraine – claims rejected by Kyiv and Western leaders who see Moscow’s actions as an try to topple Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and seize swathes of Ukraine’s japanese and southern territory.

The Zaporizhzhia nuclear energy plant has change into the newest flashpoint within the months-long battle, with Russia and Ukraine accusing one another of shelling the facility station in latest days.

The plant is in Russian-controlled territory however is manned by Ukrainian employees.

Moscow says it had performed every little thing it may to facilitate a go to by the IAEA to the nuclear energy station, however that Kyiv noticed it as “helpful to maintain the IAEA away”.

Zakharova, Moscow’s combative official international coverage spokesperson, additionally attacked the worldwide neighborhood for refusing to criticise Kyiv over the assaults.

“The leaders of the United Nations and the IAEA, over and over, don't dare to immediately title the supply of the risk. They're demonstrating their unwillingness to level the finger at Kyiv,” she stated.

Ukraine has known as for a demilitarised space to be arrange across the nuclear plant, whereas U.N. Secretary Common Antonio Guterres stated assaults in opposition to nuclear services had been a “suicidal factor”.