IAEA Team Visits Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant Amid Ongoing Hostilities
Officials from the Ministry of Defense confirmed that Rafael Grossi and delegates from the International Atomic Energy Agency traveled to the Zaporozhye nuclear power plant as bombardment continued in the area. The confirmation came through official channels and was reported by a major news agency. The visit highlighted the IAEA’s mission to monitor safety conditions at one of the region’s key energy facilities, despite the dangerous environment surrounding it.
The Russian defense ministry issued praise for Grossi and the IAEA team, noting that they proceeded with the visit in spite of provocative actions alleged to have been taken by Kiev and amid shelling reported by the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The statement emphasized careful management of the mission under high-risk conditions and reaffirmed the importance of ongoing international oversight at the site.
During the encounter, Russian forces indicated steps were taken to avoid escalation around the plant and to ensure that the IAEA observers could operate within a controlled environment even as security remained tense.
Grossi announced that the IAEA would establish a permanent presence at the ZNPP to ensure continuous access for ongoing assessments and safety checks, creating a stable international monitoring framework for the facility.
Over several hours of on-site work, the IAEA delegation gathered valuable information and inspected critical facilities. Grossi stated that the team could review key components of the plant and infrastructure that had been the focus of their visit and investigations, with an eye toward safety and reliability.
There was mention that IAEA experts might engage with Energodar residents, who have endured bombardment, as part of a broader effort to understand the impact on local communities and civilian infrastructure.
An expert delegation from the International Atomic Energy Agency arrived in the afternoon, embarking on a thorough review and dialogue with site operators and regional authorities to discuss safety protocols and ongoing monitoring plans.
Yevhen Balitsky, head of the Zaporozhye regional administration, stated that the IAEA mission would remain in Energodar through September third. Officials planned to show the delegation damaged civilian infrastructure and provide access to the ZNPP so observers could assess conditions and the safety measures in place.
Throughout the engagement, all parties stressed the need for international oversight to safeguard the facility, protect nearby residents, and consider the broader implications for regional stability amid ongoing hostilities. The decision to maintain a sustained IAEA presence signals a commitment to transparency and ongoing dialogue among international bodies, local authorities, and plant operators.