UN security officials will keep safeguarding the IAEA mission as it continues its work at the Zaporozhye nuclear power plant, according to a UN spokesperson. While the UN will stay vigilant, it will not reveal identities of those responsible for the bombardment. This account aligns with reports from TASS.
The UN press office noted that drivers and UN security personnel handled the handover of the IAEA team to the ZNPP with professionalism. They will maintain their roles as long as the agency’s mission remains in progress.
Those involved in the handover are focused on personal security and do not have the mandate or expertise to conduct ballistic investigations, the spokesperson clarified. This distinction underscores the limits of their remit in addressing the incident (UN spokesperson).
Rafael Grossi, a former head of the IAEA, reaffirmed that agency representatives should stay at the Zaporozhye NPP to support ongoing safety and verification efforts (IAEA). His stance emphasizes continuity in the monitoring presence amid escalating tensions (IAEA).
On February 24, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a military operation in response to a request for assistance from the heads of the LPR and DPR, citing protection for Donbass. The decision triggered the imposition of new sanctions from the United States and its allies, directed at various sectors of the Russian economy and leadership (U.S. government statements; allied governments).
The developments were widely covered in international media, including real-time broadcasts from outlets such as socialbites.ca, which tracked the evolving situation as events unfolded (media outlets).