For the second time since the start of the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has visited the Russian-occupied Zaporizhia nuclear power plant. Rafael Grossi expressed concern about the situation there on Wednesday after his inspection. The 18-strong IAEA delegation wanted to get an overview of the security situation at the nuclear power plant, which was repeatedly under fire.
The Russians have occupied the power plant since March 2022, shortly after Moscow invaded Ukraine. However, Bakhmut in eastern Ukraine remains fiercely contested. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian defense minister praised the Marder armored personnel carrier provided by Germany; as another European country, Spain announced the delivery of tanks to Kiev. The recommendation of the International Olympic Committee for a return of Russian athletes to the international stage has caused outrage in sport.
Grossi worried after inspection of Zaporizhia nuclear power plant
With his visit to the largest nuclear power plant in Europe, IAEA boss Grossi wants to investigate possible damage caused by bombing and guarantee a rotation of international observers. "Obviously the situation is not improving. On the contrary, military activities around the area are increasing," he said on Wednesday after the visit, according to Russian media. He had previously visited Europe's largest nuclear power plant in September.
Grossi therefore confirmed plans for a security concept for the nuclear power plant. Russian and Ukrainian troops accuse each other of shelling the nuclear power plant. Grossi said safety precautions should now be discussed with both sides to prevent a nuclear incident with radioactive effects. "I'm an optimist in that I think it's possible," he said.
Ukraine concedes partial Russian success in Bakhmut
The Ukrainian military leadership has acknowledged a partial Russian success in the fighting for the city of Bakhmut in the east of the country. "In the Bakhmut sector, the enemy continued their attacks on the city, partly with success," the general staff in Kiev said in its daily situation report. However, details of the Russian land gains were not given.
The eastern Ukrainian city has a high symbolic value for both warring factions. The soldiers of the Wagner mercenaries fighting there on the Russian side were able to besiege the city from three sides, suffering high losses, but were not able to completely cut off the supply routes of the Ukrainians. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy ordered everything to be done to prevent the city from falling.
Occupied city of Melitopol in southern Ukraine without power after shelling
Meanwhile, in the city of Melitopol in southern Ukraine, which was occupied by Russian soldiers, the power went out after Ukrainian attacks. According to consistent information from Kiev and Moscow, the city's railway depot was shot at. Residents heard several explosions. The Russians had made Melitopol the capital of the conquered part of the Zaporizhia region - there is an important railway junction for the Russian military towards Crimea.
Defense Minister praises German tanks - Spain also delivers
The Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksiy Resnikov praised the Marder infantry fighting vehicle from Germany in a video. "The Marder is an excellent example of German quality," he wrote on the short message service Twitter. The weapon will increase Ukraine's chances of defeating Russia, it said. In the video, the minister showed how he did several laps on a muddy training ground in one of the armored personnel carriers recently delivered by Berlin. "I'm looking forward to taming leopards soon. I love how they roar!" he added. The delivery of 18 Leopard 2 tanks from Germany to Ukraine was confirmed on Monday. According to Spanish media reports, Madrid will soon deliver six Leopard tanks, which are currently still being tested.
Debate in world sports about Russian athletes
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) spoke out in favor of re-admitting Russian and Belarusian athletes to major events. This caused outrage in many cases, and a number of associations want to oppose the recommendation. The European Games in Poland in the summer want to stick to the ban. The international athletics and gymnastics associations also announced that they would no longer allow athletes from Russia and Belarus. According to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, Moscow wants to fight to have all Russians reintroduced without restrictions - Kiev, meanwhile, appealed for a complete exclusion of Russians.
