Rafael Grossi, the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, spoke on a Japanese television channel, expressing strong concern about the stance of military forces that deny the existence of zones around the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. He described this denial as unacceptable and dangerous for civilian safety and plant security. Grossi explained that he had attempted to establish a protective zone near the facility, but a counterattack interrupted those efforts. The message was clear: commanders from some units refuse to acknowledge restricted areas they cannot enter, and this is a grave risk to the plant and its surroundings.
While Grossi did not name any country, he underscored the broader pattern of non-recognition of protected space around critical infrastructure in active conflict zones. The IAEA chief also noted that the Zaporizhzhia plant remains extremely vulnerable due to its position on the front line and the ongoing counteroffensive by Ukrainian forces. He stressed that IAEA experts continue to monitor the site on the ground, ready to respond to any development. The director general warned that conditions can change rapidly and that preparedness by international experts is essential in such volatile circumstances.
The recent remarks come in the context of a broader conflict that escalated when Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a special military operation in Ukraine on February 24, 2022, following requests for assistance from separatist authorities in certain regions. This development has intensified concerns about the safety of nuclear facilities in the area and underscored the importance of independent monitoring and protective measures in conflict zones.
Grossi later reflected on the organization’s inspections at the Zaporizhzhia plant, noting that the latest visits by IAEA staff did not reveal any evidence of mining or explosive devices at the facility. This finding, while reassuring in specific regards, does not diminish the overall risk posed by ongoing hostilities and the plant’s exposure to military activities. The IAEA continues its field presence, sharing data with member states and coordinating with international partners to ensure that safety standards are maintained even under duress.
In his ongoing assessments, Grossi emphasized that the agency’s work is marked by transparency, rigorous safety protocols, and an unwavering commitment to preventing nuclear incidents. The situation at Zaporizhzhia serves as a stark reminder of how geopolitical tensions can intersect with energy security, highlighting the need for continuous international oversight, robust emergency planning, and adherence to nuclear safety norms regardless of military developments. The director general reiterated the importance of clear lines of communication between authorities on the ground and international experts, so that any risk can be identified and mitigated promptly.
Observers note that protecting nuclear facilities in conflict zones requires a coordinated approach that respects international law, humanitarian considerations, and the technical requirements of nuclear safety. The IAEA remains focused on strengthening monitoring, securing access for inspectors, and supporting local authorities in maintaining safe operation of the Zaporizhzhia plant while the broader security situation evolves. The agency’s leadership continues to call for restraint, safe access, and adherence to safety protocols to minimize the risk of radiological release or other dangerous outcomes in the region.