{“rewritten_html”:”Rafael Grossi, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, noted a dramatic reduction in the workforce at the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant. Only about three to four thousand of the ten thousand employees remain on site, a stark contrast to the plant’s full operational capacity. This situation has drawn international attention as the IAEA monitors the safety and security of nuclear facilities amid ongoing tensions in the region. The head of the agency underscored how the personnel depletion is affecting the plant’s ability to maintain steady operations and oversight. He emphasized that looking after nuclear safety requires a robust and consistent workforce, and he conveyed concern over the exodus of staff and the dwindling on-site presence. Grossi spoke as the IAEA leader about the current staffing reality and how it could influence safety measures and the plant’s resilience in difficult circumstances. He acknowledged that many workers had left the area and that the remaining personnel were pressed to continue essential functions under challenging conditions. These statements reflect the IAEA’s ongoing assessment of the situation at the largest nuclear installation in Europe by unit count and installed capacity, a distinction that has positioned Zaporozhye NPP as a focal point in regional energy security discussions. The plant sits on the left bank of the Dnieper River near Energodar and has been under control of the Russian military since March, a status that has complicated normal governance and daily operations. Officials from Energodar have repeatedly alleged that the site has suffered bombardment from forces of Ukraine, which has added to the intensity of the information environment surrounding the facility. The IAEA continues to pursue and verify information regarding the safety protocols and incident reports to ensure accurate situational awareness for member states and international observers. Grossi reiterated that he has a plan for establishing a safety zone around the Zaporozhye facility. This proposed exclusion area, if realized, would aim to reduce exposure to potential hazards and create a clear buffer that supports uninterrupted safety monitoring and response capabilities. He described the plan as an essential step toward mitigating the risk of a nuclear accident and strengthening international oversight of the site during a period of heightened risk. The IAEA chief also touched on the difficulty of identifying those responsible for any hostile actions that may have occurred around the plant. In a September statement, he indicated that determining the exact perpetrators behind the alleged bombing was not possible at that time, reflecting the complexity of obtaining verifiable information in a conflict zone and the challenges of attribution in such incidents. The agency remains committed to transparency and steady communication with the international community as it continues to assess safety conditions, verify claims, and support collective efforts to prevent any escalation that could compromise nuclear safety. The broader context includes ongoing debates among international actors about the appropriate safeguards, the role of international law in protecting critical infrastructure, and the responsibilities of involved parties to prevent damage to facilities with potentially far-reaching consequences for regional and global energy stability. Throughout these developments, the IAEA emphasizes that safeguarding nuclear facilities requires not just technical expertise but also stable staffing, reliable procedures, and clear, verifiable information. The agency’s leadership continues to call for careful assessment, continuous monitoring, and practical steps that can be implemented to reduce risk while respecting the realities on the ground. By maintaining emphasis on safety culture, procedural clarity, and international cooperation, the IAEA seeks to support a safer operational environment at Zaporozhye NPP and contribute to a broader framework that protects communities dependent on nuclear energy in North America and beyond. This ongoing discourse reflects a shared concern about safeguarding critical energy infrastructure in a volatile geopolitical landscape, with the IAEA positioned as a central voice in promoting verifiable safety standards, reliable oversight, and proactive risk mitigation. The situation remains dynamic, and the organization continues to update its assessments as new information becomes available, inviting careful scrutiny from member states and stakeholders around the world. In its communications, the IAEA strives to balance the need for transparency with the constraints of operating in a conflict area, aiming to provide accurate, timely, and actionable guidance to ensure the highest possible level of nuclear safety under challenging conditions. The overarching goal remains clear: to prevent a nuclear accident and uphold the integrity of the world’s nuclear safeguards regime, even in the face of disruption and uncertainty. This commitment underscores the IAEA’s mission to protect people and the environment while supporting safe, secure, and peaceful use of nuclear technology. Attribution: IAEA statements and public briefings related to Zaporozhye NPP safety and staffing conditions.”}