Moscow: Russia on Thursday accused Ukraine of attacking a convoy carrying International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) experts near the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. This incident led to the cancelation of a planned rotation of monitors' mission.

According to Anadolu Agency, a statement by the Defense Ministry detailed that the convoy, which included ministry personnel, was subjected to artillery and drone attacks near the agreed meeting point. The ministry alleged that Ukrainian forces executed these attacks, which disrupted the planned rotation of inspectors.

The convoy was reportedly targeted multiple times, forcing it to retreat. Despite these incidents, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated that Moscow remains committed to ensuring the safety of IAEA experts at the plant amid ongoing security risks.

Zakharova further accused Ukrainian forces of 'terrorizing' the nuclear facility and its surroundings. She noted that the experts on site have confirmed the plant is operating within normal parameters.

The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, recognized as the largest in Europe, has been under Russian control since March 2022. Both Russia and Ukraine have frequently traded accusations regarding the safety of the plant.

The IAEA has maintained a presence at the site to oversee its security and operational status. The head of the UN nuclear watchdog highlighted that the intense military activity in the region had necessitated the cancelation of the rotation.