US opposes IAEA board resolution condemning attacks on Ukraine's power grid

VIENNA, March 5 - The United States joined Russia, China, and Niger on Thursday in opposing a resolution adopted by the U.N. nuclear watchdog's board denouncing attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure as a threat to nuclear safety, diplomats said. Read more at straitstimes.com.

VIENNA, March 5 - The United States joined Russia, China, and Niger on Thursday in opposing a resolution adopted by the U.N. nuclear watchdog's board denouncing attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure as a threat to nuclear safety, diplomats said.

The resolution, passed by the International Atomic Energy Agency's 35-nation Board of Governors, is the seventh on Ukraine since Russia invaded its neighbour four years ago.

This is the first time the United States has opposed one.

"While we continue supporting the IAEA's work in-country, we do not support the Board's current consideration of an unnecessary resolution that does not help achieve peace between Ukraine and Russia," the United States said in its statement to the board before the vote.

U.S. President Donald Trump has in the past year pressured Ukraine for a quick peace deal that could involve ceding land to Russia. Ukraine has ruled out giving up territory.

The IAEA board passed the resolution with 20 votes in favour, including France, Britain, Australia, Canada, South Africa and Argentina, 10 abstentions and the four votes against, diplomats at the closed-door meeting said. Brazil, Egypt, Morocco and Saudi Arabia were among the abstentions.