IAEA Chief to visit Russia for Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant talks

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi is planning a visit to Russia, during which he will engage in a series of high-level meetings and consultations concerning the safety of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said.

Zakharova stated, “IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi is indeed scheduled to visit Russia in the near future to discuss our continued collaboration with the agency.” She elaborated, “Several high-level meetings are on the agenda for the visit.”

“Additionally, working consultations are set to take place to facilitate a dialogue with the IAEA leadership regarding nuclear and physical safety matters at the Zaporizhzhia NPP,” Zakharova added.

Earlier, Grossi emphasized the importance of maintaining dialogue with both Moscow and Kyiv.

He noted having had “numerous discussions” with Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskyy and a single conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Grossi emphasized the pivotal role of the situation surrounding the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in “international peace and security.”

Over the last 18 months, Zaporizhzhia, the largest nuclear power plant in Europe, has experienced 8 instances of losing connection to all external power lines. This has necessitated the use of diesel generators for critical functions such as cooling fuel in its reactors, preventing potential catastrophic meltdowns.

Although one of its primary power lines is currently operational and all six reactors are shut down, mitigating operational risks, IAEA warns that the situation at the plant remains unstable.

Source: Newsroom