Fighting around Ukrainian nuclear plant worsens with Germany to send more aid (See translation in Arabic section) Amid an escalation in fighting around the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) made a second visit to the facility. IAEA director-general Rafael Mariano Grossi was shown around the plant by Russian occupying forces and officials. “It is obvious that military activity is increasing in this whole region, so every possible measure and precautions should be taken so that the plant is not attacked,” he said. “I think it’s no secret that there is a significant increase in the number of troops in the region, and there is open talk about offensive and counter offensives.” The plant is on the south bank of the Dnieper River; it forms the frontline at a time when Russian forces launched offensives with Ukraine widely tipped to launch a counter-offensive. Grossi accompanied three IAEA inspectors who are due to stay at the site for two months, the seventh team to take up the rotating role since the agency’s presence was accepted by Kyiv and Moscow. He was also in Zaporizhzhia to continue negotiations to protect the plant, which would require the agreement of both forces. GERMAN SUPPORT Meanwhile, the German government has agreed to send an extra €12bn worth of military support to Ukraine. The Bundestag’s budget committee gave the green light for about €8bn to be spent directly on buying weapons and equipment for Ukraine, approving a request by the German defence ministry and foreign office. The other €4bn will go to the German military to replenish stocks. About €12bn in total will be released related to the Ukraine conflict over the next decade or so. Since the start of the Russian invasion, the German government has made available more than €14.2bn in support for Ukraine, according to the foreign office. The move represents a “very important step with which we make it clear that we are supporting Ukraine in the long term in its fight against Putin,” said Germany’s defence minister, Boris Pistorius. The agreement will allow supplies including armoured vehicles, tanks, and ammunition to be delivered to Ukraine in the coming years, according to the minister. Russia’s Defence Ministry said it launched military exercises involving its giant Yars intercontinental ballistic missile system. It said on its website that 3000 military personnel would be involved in the exercise taking place across three regions in Russia. Russia often proudly showcased its Yars intercontinental ballistic missile launchers — which are designed to evade missile defence systems, reputedly up to a range of 7500 miles — during the annual Victory Day military parade in Moscow. CHINESE INVITED Chinese leader Xi Jinping has been invited to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv. China has not said whether Xi would accept. “We are ready to see (Xi) here,” Zelenskyy said. “I had contact with him before (the) full-scale war. But during all this year, more than one year, I didn’t have.” US National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said the US would strongly encourage an Xi-Zelenskyy meeting. |
