Over 40 countries demand Russia hand over nuclear plant

Kiev: Artillery shells again struck the Ukrainian city of Enerhodar near the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant, as dozens of countries demanded the immediate withdrawal of Russian troops from the area.
“The stationing of Russian military personnel and weapons at the nuclear facility is unacceptable,” a statement on behalf of 42 countries said.
“We urge the Russian Federation to immediately withdraw its military forces and all other unauthorized personnel from the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant, its immediate surroundings, and all of Ukraine so that the operator and the Ukrainian authorities can resume their sovereign responsibilities within Ukraine’s internationally recognised borders.” The demand was made on behalf of the EU as well as the US, the UK, Norway, Australia, Japan, New Zealand and many other countries, dpa news agency reported.
“This will also enable the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) to carry out its verification pursuant to Ukraine’s safeguards obligations under safe and secure conditions and in a timely manner,” the statement added.
Europe’s largest nuclear power plant, which has been occupied by Russian troops since March, has been subject to shelling for several weeks.