Russian Leader Vladimir Putin Says UN Officials Will Be Allowed To Visit Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Complex

The Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant will be open for UN representatives to come and conduct inspections, according to Russian leader Vladimir Putin. After speaking on the phone with French President Emmanuel Macron, the Kremlin made the news. It happened while reports of fighting near the factory persisted, with Russian shelling allegedly injuring four civilians. 

Separately, the US promised to provide more weapons and ammunition to support Ukraine's military effort on Friday.  The Kremlin said that Mr. Putin had agreed to give UN investigators "the necessary support" to enter the Zaporizhzhia nuclear site in a readout following the call between the French and Russian leaders. 

The Kremlin said that Mr. Putin had agreed to give UN investigators "the necessary support" to enter the Zaporizhzhia nuclear site in a readout following the call between the French and Russian leaders. Although the factory has been occupied by Russia since early March, Ukrainian experts continue to run it under Russian command. 

According to the Kremlin, "both presidents highlighted the need" of sending the IAEA specialists to the plant to evaluate "the situation on the ground." The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) director general praised Mr. Putin's remarks and offered to personally lead a visit to the nuclear power plant. 

Rafael Grossi stated, "It is crucial that no further action be taken that could further threaten the safety and security of one of the largest nuclear power plants in the world in this highly volatile and vulnerable circumstances. In his nightly address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed the idea of an inspection but noted that specifics were still being worked out. 

"This summer may go down in the history of many European countries as one of the most sad of all time," he added, saying "If Russian blackmail with radiation continues."