The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in Enerhodar, Ukraine. AFP
The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in Enerhodar, Ukraine. AFP
The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in Enerhodar, Ukraine. AFP
The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in Enerhodar, Ukraine. AFP

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Europe

‘Stop this madness’ says UN chief after shelling at Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant

Rafael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, warned 'you're playing with fire'

Soraya Ebrahimi
Soraya Ebrahimi

November 20, 2022

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The UN's atomic watchdog chief on Sunday called for a "a stop to this madness" after shelling on Ukraine's Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, as Kyiv and Moscow traded blame.

"The news from our team yesterday and this morning is extremely disturbing," Rafael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, said on Sunday.

"Explosions occurred at the site of this major nuclear power plant, which is completely unacceptable.

"Whoever is behind this, it must stop immediately. As I have said many times before, you're playing with fire."

READ MORE

Iran 'to help Russia build its own drones' for Ukraine war

There were more than a dozen blasts over Saturday night, some of which a team of experts from the agency were witness to, the IAEA said.

Mr Grossi told French broadcaster BFMTV later on Sunday it was clear that the strikes on the plant were no accident.

"The people who are doing this know where they are hitting. It is absolutely deliberate, targeted," he said.

The IAEA is to send a team of experts to the plant, which is the biggest nuclear plant in Europe. It is controlled by Russian troops.

Ukraine capital Kyiv hit by kamikaze drones - in pictures

Firefighters in action after a drone fired on buildings in Kyiv, Ukraine. AP
Firefighters in action after a drone fired on buildings in Kyiv, Ukraine. AP
A drone approaches for an attack in the Ukraine capital. AFP
A drone approaches for an attack in the Ukraine capital. AFP
A police officer fires at a drone flying overhead. AFP
A police officer fires at a drone flying overhead. AFP
Smoke rises from a building after a drone attack. AFP
Smoke rises from a building after a drone attack. AFP
A Ukrainian serviceman takes cover as an air-raid siren sounds. Reuters
A Ukrainian serviceman takes cover as an air-raid siren sounds. Reuters
Debris near the site of a drone attack. AFP
Debris near the site of a drone attack. AFP
Police stand guard as smoke rises from buildings. Reuters
Police stand guard as smoke rises from buildings. Reuters
A drone in the sky seconds before it fired on buildings. AP
A drone in the sky seconds before it fired on buildings. AP
Plumes of smoke rise after a Russian drone strike. Reuters
Plumes of smoke rise after a Russian drone strike. Reuters

Ukraine meanwhile dismissed Moscow's accusations that its soldiers had killed Russian troops as they were surrendering, in what Moscow has described as a "war crime".

Dmytro Lubinets, Ukraine's commissioner for human rights said on Sunday that extracts from the video footage in question showed that Russian troops used a "staged surrender" to open fire on Ukrainian soldiers.

"In this case, persons among the Russian servicemen cannot be considered prisoners of war, but are those who are fighting and committing treachery," Mr Lubinets said.

"Returning fire is not a war crime. On the contrary, those who want to use the protection of international law to kill must be punished."

Ukraine war latest - in pictures

Smoke rises on the outskirts of the city during a Russian missile attack in Kyiv. Reuters
Smoke rises on the outskirts of the city during a Russian missile attack in Kyiv. Reuters
Workers surround the Monument to the Heroes of the Heavenly Hundred with sandbags against damage from shelling in Mykolaiv. EPA
Workers surround the Monument to the Heroes of the Heavenly Hundred with sandbags against damage from shelling in Mykolaiv. EPA
Russian President Vladimir Putin welcomes Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev for talks before a meeting between the Russian president and the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan in the Black Sea resort city of Sochi, Russia. AFP
Russian President Vladimir Putin welcomes Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev for talks before a meeting between the Russian president and the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan in the Black Sea resort city of Sochi, Russia. AFP
People take water from a water pump in Kyiv. EPA
People take water from a water pump in Kyiv. EPA
A woman walks past a damaged building in the town of Nova Kakhovka. Reuters
A woman walks past a damaged building in the town of Nova Kakhovka. Reuters
A woman outside her home, which was destroyed during battles at the start of the conflict, in Yahidne, Chernihiv. Getty Images
A woman outside her home, which was destroyed during battles at the start of the conflict, in Yahidne, Chernihiv. Getty Images
People shelter inside a subway station during a Russian missile attack in Kyiv. Reuters
People shelter inside a subway station during a Russian missile attack in Kyiv. Reuters
Firefighters at the site of a drone attack in Kyiv, Ukraine. AP
Firefighters at the site of a drone attack in Kyiv, Ukraine. AP
A woman walks past the site of a Russian missile strike in the southern Ukrainian city of Mykolaiv. Reuters
A woman walks past the site of a Russian missile strike in the southern Ukrainian city of Mykolaiv. Reuters
Rescuer workers at a building destroyed in an attack in Mykolaiv. Reuters
Rescuer workers at a building destroyed in an attack in Mykolaiv. Reuters
Parts of a drone lie on a street in Kyiv. Reuters
Parts of a drone lie on a street in Kyiv. Reuters
A drone flies over the Ukrainian capital during an attack. AFP
A drone flies over the Ukrainian capital during an attack. AFP
Ukrainian servicemen tow a captured Russian armoured vehicle in Rudneve village, Kharkiv. EPA
Ukrainian servicemen tow a captured Russian armoured vehicle in Rudneve village, Kharkiv. EPA
A partially destroyed residential building in Saltivka, in Kharkiv. AP
A partially destroyed residential building in Saltivka, in Kharkiv. AP
Ukrainian servicemen fire a captured Russian howitzer on a front line near Kupyansk city, Kharkiv. EPA
Ukrainian servicemen fire a captured Russian howitzer on a front line near Kupyansk city, Kharkiv. EPA
Ukrainian servicemen near the recently retaken town of Lyman in Donetsk region. AFP
Ukrainian servicemen near the recently retaken town of Lyman in Donetsk region. AFP
An officer from a Ukrainian national police emergency demining team prepares to detonate collected anti-tank mines and explosives near Lyman, in the Donetsk region. AFP
An officer from a Ukrainian national police emergency demining team prepares to detonate collected anti-tank mines and explosives near Lyman, in the Donetsk region. AFP
A boy playing on a destroyed Russian tank on display in Kyiv. AFP
A boy playing on a destroyed Russian tank on display in Kyiv. AFP
A young couple hiding underground during an air alert in Zaporizhzhia. AFP
A young couple hiding underground during an air alert in Zaporizhzhia. AFP
Ukrainian firefighters looking for survivors after a strike in Zaporizhzhia. AFP
Ukrainian firefighters looking for survivors after a strike in Zaporizhzhia. AFP
Workers fix a banner reading 'Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson - Russia!' to the State Historical Museum near Red Square in Moscow. AFP
Workers fix a banner reading 'Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson - Russia!' to the State Historical Museum near Red Square in Moscow. AFP
Residents try to cross a destroyed bridge in the Kharkiv region of Ukraine. AFP
Residents try to cross a destroyed bridge in the Kharkiv region of Ukraine. AFP
Alyona Kishinskaya helps to clean up a shop as it prepares to reopen in Balakiya, Ukraine, after a six-month Russian occupation. Getty Images
Alyona Kishinskaya helps to clean up a shop as it prepares to reopen in Balakiya, Ukraine, after a six-month Russian occupation. Getty Images
Alla, 12, has a swinging time in Balakiya, Ukraine, as life goes on despite the war. Getty Images
Alla, 12, has a swinging time in Balakiya, Ukraine, as life goes on despite the war. Getty Images
Ukrainian flags in the town square in Balakiya. Getty Images
Ukrainian flags in the town square in Balakiya. Getty Images
A destroyed Russian command centre in Izium, Ukraine. Getty Images
A destroyed Russian command centre in Izium, Ukraine. Getty Images
In what may be a final farewell, young Russian recruits - escorted by their wives - walk to a train station in Volgograd before being sent to war in Ukraine. AP
In what may be a final farewell, young Russian recruits - escorted by their wives - walk to a train station in Volgograd before being sent to war in Ukraine. AP
Russian recruits board the train to Ukraine in Volgograd. AP
Russian recruits board the train to Ukraine in Volgograd. AP
Ukrainian soliders drive a tank at the recently retaken eastern side of the Oskil River in Kharkiv region, Ukraine. AFP
Ukrainian soliders drive a tank at the recently retaken eastern side of the Oskil River in Kharkiv region, Ukraine. AFP
Volunteers pass boxes of food aid on a destroyed bridge over the Oskil River. AFP
Volunteers pass boxes of food aid on a destroyed bridge over the Oskil River. AFP
Ukrainian soliders rest on an armoured personnel carrier. AFP
Ukrainian soliders rest on an armoured personnel carrier. AFP
A sign warns of landmines in Izyum, eastern Ukraine. AFP
A sign warns of landmines in Izyum, eastern Ukraine. AFP
This crater was left after a missile strike in the Donetsk region of Ukraine. AFP
This crater was left after a missile strike in the Donetsk region of Ukraine. AFP

Video circulated on Russian social media last week purported to show the bodies of Russian servicemen killed after surrendering to Ukrainian troops.

The videos have not been independently verified.

A UN spokesman told AFP on Friday that the world body was "aware of the videos" and "looking into them".

Meanwhile In the southern city of Kherson, which Ukrainian troops recently recaptured, residents were facing a new challenge after eight months of occupation by Moscow's troops — Russian artillery attacks.

After Russian shells pounded the industrial area next to their home, setting fire to an oil depot there, Yuri Mosolov and his wife decided it was time to leave.

"After yesterday's shelling, my wife said: 'Let's not take too many risks and go'," Mr Mosolov said.

A carefully planned campaign by Kyiv against logistics networks, bridges and pontoon crossings battered Russian supply lines and forced their troops to abandon the city and retreat to the Dnipro's eastern bank.

Now the armies are increasingly engaging in heavy artillery exchanges across the river.

"Artillery duels are still going on. The combat continues," said Dmytro Pletenchuk, the Ukrainian military's spokesman in the area. "Kherson is now on the frontline."

Antonov AN-225 destroyed by Russia in Ukraine - in pictures

The wreckage of an Antonov AN-225, the world's biggest aircraft, sits under a steel shelter at Gostomel airfield near Kyiv in April 2022. EPA
The wreckage of an Antonov AN-225, the world's biggest aircraft, sits under a steel shelter at Gostomel airfield near Kyiv in April 2022. EPA
The cargo plane, named Mriya (which means Dream in Ukrainian), was destroyed during a heavy battle with Russian troops at the airfield earlier this year. Reuters
The cargo plane, named Mriya (which means Dream in Ukrainian), was destroyed during a heavy battle with Russian troops at the airfield earlier this year. Reuters
The Soviet-era plane was a symbol of Ukraine's identity and was cherished by aviation enthusiasts. AP
The Soviet-era plane was a symbol of Ukraine's identity and was cherished by aviation enthusiasts. AP
Poland's Minister of Interior and Administration Mariusz Kaminski stands near the heavily damaged plane on the outskirts of Kyiv. AP
Poland's Minister of Interior and Administration Mariusz Kaminski stands near the heavily damaged plane on the outskirts of Kyiv. AP
The Ukrainian plane had six engines, 32 wheels and wingspan that matched the length of a football pitch. AP
The Ukrainian plane had six engines, 32 wheels and wingspan that matched the length of a football pitch. AP
A Ukrainian man searches for unexploded explosives near the damaged plane. AP
A Ukrainian man searches for unexploded explosives near the damaged plane. AP
The aircraft's role in the aviation industry took on greater significance amid the coronavirus pandemic, as it delivered tonne after tonne of vital aid to countries worldwide. AP
The aircraft's role in the aviation industry took on greater significance amid the coronavirus pandemic, as it delivered tonne after tonne of vital aid to countries worldwide. AP
The Mriya entered commercial service in 2001 and was originally developed to transport the Energiya carrier-rocket and Buran space shuttle. AP
The Mriya entered commercial service in 2001 and was originally developed to transport the Energiya carrier-rocket and Buran space shuttle. AP
The aircraft could carry a maximum payload of 250,000 kilograms, and had a wingspan of 88 metres. Its size meant it could fit a helicopter or haulage lorry inside. AFP
The aircraft could carry a maximum payload of 250,000 kilograms, and had a wingspan of 88 metres. Its size meant it could fit a helicopter or haulage lorry inside. AFP
Ukrainian soldiers stand in front of the destroyed plane. Reuters
Ukrainian soldiers stand in front of the destroyed plane. Reuters
The aircraft was more than seven metres longer than a Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental and 11 metres longer than the Airbus A380-800, the largest passenger plane. AFP
The aircraft was more than seven metres longer than a Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental and 11 metres longer than the Airbus A380-800, the largest passenger plane. AFP
It was the only Antonov An-225 in the world. AP
It was the only Antonov An-225 in the world. AP
A second version was in the making and reached about 70 per cent completion in the mid-2000s before progress was halted because of the cost involved. AP
A second version was in the making and reached about 70 per cent completion in the mid-2000s before progress was halted because of the cost involved. AP
Since its first flight in 1988, it claimed 242 world records, according to Antonov Airlines. AP
Since its first flight in 1988, it claimed 242 world records, according to Antonov Airlines. AP
The Mriya touched down at Dubai's Al Maktoum International Airport in May 2016 after visiting Perth in Australia to deliver a 117-tonne generator. AFP
The Mriya touched down at Dubai's Al Maktoum International Airport in May 2016 after visiting Perth in Australia to deliver a 117-tonne generator. AFP
The Mriya was so large that the length of its cargo hold was longer than the Wright brothers’ first flight, from take-off to landing. Reuters
The Mriya was so large that the length of its cargo hold was longer than the Wright brothers’ first flight, from take-off to landing. Reuters
It cost around $30,000 an hour to hire the plane. Reuters
It cost around $30,000 an hour to hire the plane. Reuters

Elsewhere near Kherson, Russian strikes hit near a humanitarian distribution area in the village of Bilozerka, sending residents fleeing on Saturday.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in his daily address, said there had been nearly 400 Russian attacks in the east of the country alone on Sunday.

Mr Zelenskyy said the toughest battles were in the eastern Donetsk region, one of those that Russian now claims as its own. Fighting was also continuing in neighbouring Luhansk.

Teams were working around the clock to repair damage to the energy infrastructure from Russia's artillery bombardments, but "stabilisation blackouts" were nevertheless necessary in 15 regions, including Kyiv, he added.

And Mr Zelenskyy again set out Kyiv's terms for peace, which include food and energy security, the release of all prisoners and deportees, and the withdrawal of Russian troops from all Ukrainian territory.

Asia Cup Qualifier

Venue: Kuala Lumpur

Result: Winners play at Asia Cup in Dubai and Abu Dhabi in September

Fixtures:

Wed Aug 29: Malaysia v Hong Kong, Nepal v Oman, UAE v Singapore

Thu Aug 30: UAE v Nepal, Hong Kong v Singapore, Malaysia v Oman

Sat Sep 1: UAE v Hong Kong, Oman v Singapore, Malaysia v Nepal

Sun Sep 2: Hong Kong v Oman, Malaysia v UAE, Nepal v Singapore

Tue Sep 4: Malaysia v Singapore, UAE v Oman, Nepal v Hong Kong

Thu Sep 6: Final

 

Asia Cup

Venue: Dubai and Abu Dhabi

Schedule: Sep 15-28

Teams: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, plus the winner of the Qualifier

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%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EAuthor%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EYasmin%20Azad%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EPublisher%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESwift%20Press%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EAvailable%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENow%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Company%20Profile
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Astra%20Tech%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EMarch%202022%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EDubai%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounder%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EAbdallah%20Abu%20Sheikh%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EIndustry%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20technology%20investment%20and%20development%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunding%20size%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%24500m%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
How much do leading UAE’s UK curriculum schools charge for Year 6?
  1. Nord Anglia International School (Dubai) – Dh85,032
  2. Kings School Al Barsha (Dubai) – Dh71,905
  3. Brighton College Abu Dhabi - Dh68,560
  4. Jumeirah English Speaking School (Dubai) – Dh59,728
  5. Gems Wellington International School – Dubai Branch – Dh58,488
  6. The British School Al Khubairat (Abu Dhabi) - Dh54,170
  7. Dubai English Speaking School – Dh51,269

*Annual tuition fees covering the 2024/2025 academic year

Tearful appearance

Chancellor Rachel Reeves set markets on edge as she appeared visibly distraught in parliament on Wednesday. 

Legislative setbacks for the government have blown a new hole in the budgetary calculations at a time when the deficit is stubbornly large and the economy is struggling to grow. 

She appeared with Keir Starmer on Thursday and the pair embraced, but he had failed to give her his backing as she cried a day earlier.

A spokesman said her upset demeanour was due to a personal matter.

On Women's Day
How to increase your savings
  • Have a plan for your savings.
  • Decide on your emergency fund target and once that's achieved, assign your savings to another financial goal such as saving for a house or investing for retirement.
  • Decide on a financial goal that is important to you and put your savings to work for you.
  • It's important to have a purpose for your savings as it helps to keep you motivated to continue while also reducing the temptation to spend your savings. 

- Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching

 

 

While you're here
On Women's Day
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
RACE SCHEDULE

All times UAE ( 4 GMT)

Friday, September 29
First practice: 7am - 8.30am
Second practice: 11am - 12.30pm

Saturday, September 30
Qualifying: 1pm - 2pm

Sunday, October 1
Race: 11am - 1pm

The specs
 
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
Power: 398hp from 5,250rpm
Torque: 580Nm at 1,900-4,800rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L/100km
On sale: December
Price: From Dh330,000 (estimate)
What can you do?

Document everything immediately; including dates, times, locations and witnesses

Seek professional advice from a legal expert

You can report an incident to HR or an immediate supervisor

You can use the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation’s dedicated hotline

In criminal cases, you can contact the police for additional support

On Women's Day
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
The specs: Lamborghini Aventador SVJ

Price, base: Dh1,731,672

Engine: 6.5-litre V12

Gearbox: Seven-speed automatic

Power: 770hp @ 8,500rpm

Torque: 720Nm @ 6,750rpm

Fuel economy: 19.6L / 100km

WHAT IS A BLACK HOLE?

1. Black holes are objects whose gravity is so strong not even light can escape their pull

2. They can be created when massive stars collapse under their own weight

3. Large black holes can also be formed when smaller ones collide and merge

4. The biggest black holes lurk at the centre of many galaxies, including our own

5. Astronomers believe that when the universe was very young, black holes affected how galaxies formed

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
While you're here
Key facilities
  • Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
  • Premier League-standard football pitch
  • 400m Olympic running track
  • NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
  • 600-seat auditorium
  • Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
  • An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
  • Specialist robotics and science laboratories
  • AR and VR-enabled learning centres
  • Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
The specS: 2018 Toyota Camry

Price: base / as tested: Dh91,000 / Dh114,000

Engine: 3.5-litre V6

Gearbox: Eight-speed automatic

Power: 298hp @ 6,600rpm

Torque: 356Nm @ 4,700rpm

Fuel economy, combined: 7.0L / 100km

Saturday's results

West Ham 2-3 Tottenham
Arsenal 2-2 Southampton
Bournemouth 1-2 Wolves
Brighton 0-2 Leicester City
Crystal Palace 1-2 Liverpool
Everton 0-2 Norwich City
Watford 0-3 Burnley

Manchester City v Chelsea, 9.30pm 

Padmaavat

Director: Sanjay Leela Bhansali

Starring: Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone, Shahid Kapoor, Jim Sarbh

3.5/5

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UK-EU trade at a glance

EU fishing vessels guaranteed access to UK waters for 12 years

Co-operation on security initiatives and procurement of defence products

Youth experience scheme to work, study or volunteer in UK and EU countries

Smoother border management with use of e-gates

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Updated: November 21, 2022, 7:00 AM`
UkraineRussiaNuclear energyVladimir Putin