The general director of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Rafael Grossi, has spoken out about a recent increase in attacks on the Ukrainian nuclear power plant in Zaporiyia. This plant is the largest in Europe and has been under the control of the Russian army since 2022. Grossi made these comments after meeting with Andréi Lijachov, the head of the Russian nuclear agency, Rosatom, in Moscow. He stated that the number of attacks on the Zaporiyia plant is rising, a point he has mentioned in previous reports.
Grossi, who recently visited Ukraine, emphasized the seriousness of the situation, given that the largest nuclear plant in Europe is located in an area of active military conflict. He expressed his concern that the ongoing attacks could lead to a nuclear incident with severe consequences, including a possible radioactive leak. The International Atomic Energy Agency is working to prevent such an incident and ensure stability in the region. Grossi noted that small fragments of plastic and wood from drones that have allegedly attacked the plant do not provide enough information to determine the origin of these devices.
Grossi assured that he is addressing this matter at the highest level in international consultations. Moscow has consistently called for recognition that Kyiv’s attacks are endangering atomic plants. Lijachov, the Russian official, warned that the risk of attacks by the Ukrainian army is increasing, citing the number of drones and rockets that have been shot down, as well as the number of artillery shells that have hit the plant’s territory, which is causing concern. He also informed Grossi about the measures Russia has taken to guarantee the nuclear safety of the Zaporiyia plant since the beginning of the war with Ukraine.
The situation around the Kursk plant was also discussed, as the surrounding region is partially occupied by the Ukrainian army. Additionally, the Smolensk nuclear plant, located in Russian territory, was mentioned. During the meeting, which took place at the ‘Atom’ Museum in Moscow, the rotation of International Atomic Energy Agency inspectors was also addressed. Russia had decided to suspend the rotation, citing that the agency had proposed last-minute changes that would put their employees at risk. Both sides have agreed to the presence of inspectors at the nuclear power plant, but Kyiv is insisting that they travel to the installation through Ukrainian territory, which would require crossing the front lines.