Russian military not interfering in work of Ukrainian operators at Chernobyl, Zaporizhzhya NPPs - Nebenzya

NEW YORK. March 4 (Interfax) - The Ukrainian operators of the Chernobyl and Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plants continue their work unimpeded, the Russian troops are there only to provide security, Russia's Permanent Representative to the UN Vitaly Nebenzya said.

"Security at the NPPs is provided jointly by the Russian Armed Forces and the Ukrainian operators of the nuclear power installations. Our troops are not interfering in the operation of the Ukrainian plants, their task is limited to providing security," Nebenzya told the UN Security Council on Friday.

"Talks with the NPP's management led to an agreement that the Russian military would take the NPP under protection. At the moment, the Zaporizhzhya NPP and nearby areas are guarded by the Russian military, involving personnel with relevant experience. The situation is the same in the Chernobyl NPP zone.

"At present, the Zaporizhzhya NPP staff, none of whom was injured, contrary to the assurances today by the U.S. permanent representative, are continuing their work as usual, servicing the plant and monitoring radiation levels.

"Background radiation in the NPP area is normal. All facilities at the Zaporizhzhya NPP are under Russian military control. Security is fully provided, the plant continues functioning in accordance with technical requirements. The reactors are not damaged," Nebenzya said.