Ukraine tells IAEA control of Chernobyl NPP transferred to its specialists

MOSCOW. April 1 (Interfax) - Ukraine has informed the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) that control of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) has been transferred "in writing" to the facility's specialists, the IAEA said in a statement on its website.

According to the Ukrainian side, two convoys of Russian troops have moved toward Belarus, the IAEA said. A third convoy has also left the city of Slavutych, where Chernobyl NPP staff live, and moved towards Belarus.

"In addition, Ukraine reported that there are still some Russian forces on the Chernobyl NPP site but presumed that those forces are preparing to leave," the IAEA said.

As reported, IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi arrived in Kaliningrad on Thursday for talks with high-ranking representatives of the Russian authorities. Grossi also said that he had visited the South Ukraine Nuclear Power Plant in the Mykolaiv region of Ukraine.