Ensuring the safe operation of the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) remains the top priority for all parties involved. In a televised statement, Alexey Likhachev, the General Director of Rosatom, reiterated a clear commitment to maintaining robust safety standards at the facility. He emphasized that the current team has the expertise and the disciplined approach required to oversee daily operations while meeting stringent safety benchmarks. This reassurance comes as part of ongoing efforts to communicate reliability and control over the plant during a period of heightened scrutiny.
According to Likhachev, the staff on site possesses the experience and training necessary to manage the plant’s complex systems safely. He underscored that safety is not a temporary measure but a continuous discipline that guides every shift, every procedure, and every decision made within the reactor complex. His comments reflect a firm belief in the competence of the operators to uphold safe practices under evolving conditions.
The Rosatom leadership and the broader organization are careful to note that all stages of risk reduction are conducted under the oversight of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). This ongoing oversight ensures alignment with international safety standards and provides independent verification of safety measures, contributing to a shared international assurance that the plant remains within acceptable risk parameters. The collaboration with the IAEA is presented as a cornerstone of the governance framework surrounding ZNPP operations, reinforcing transparency and accountability.
On January 25, IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi announced an upcoming visit to both Russia and Ukraine within the ensuing days. During a discussion at a United Nations Security Council meeting, Grossi cautioned about the real danger of a significant nuclear incident at the site, underscoring the importance of diplomatic and technical engagement to mitigate such risks. The notice of this visit signals a proactive approach to strengthen safety culture, confirm environmental protections, and review contingency plans through direct dialogue with national authorities and plant operators.
Earlier, the IAEA highlighted concerns again over time, noting the discovery of mines on the territory of the Zaporizhzhia NPP during separate inspections. This development has prompted renewed calls for enhanced monitoring, reinforced security measures, and a careful assessment of potential vulnerabilities that could affect plant safety. The organization has continued to monitor the situation closely, advocating for adherence to international norms and for measures that safeguard personnel, the surrounding population, and the broader regional environment.