Italian Officials Push for Rapid IAEA Action on Zaporizhzhia NPP Security
Italy’s deputy prime minister and foreign minister, Antonio Tajani, has urged Rafael Grossi, the director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency IAEA, to travel to Russia within the next few hours. The suggestion was reported by TASS and reflects a push from Rome for urgent diplomatic engagement aimed at stabilizing safety conditions around the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. Tajani emphasized that a prompt visit by Grossi could help set in motion concrete steps to manage risks at the plant and pave the way toward a broader peace process in the region.
Tajani also disclosed that he spoke with Grossi by phone to discuss establishing a safety zone around the Zaporizhzhia facility. The conversation underscored a shared belief that clear security guarantees for the plant could reduce the likelihood of miscalculation or escalation as the conflict continues. The idea of a protective zone has been floated for months by various international actors as a means to minimize the risk of accidents or deliberate damage to the site, which remains at the heart of regional security concerns.
On April 3, an IAEA official spokesperson confirmed that Rafael Grossi is scheduled to arrive in Kaliningrad on April 5 to address security issues related to the Zaporizhzhia NPP. The visit signals continued international attention to the plant and the broader goal of ensuring uninterrupted and safeguarded operations amid ongoing tensions in the region. The IAEA has repeatedly called for restraint and for measures that would reduce the chances of a nuclear incident while supporting Ukraine’s responsibility for safeguarding its infrastructure.
Former Russian Permanent Representative to International Organizations in Vienna, Mikhail Ulyanov, noted that the dialogue between Russia and the IAEA has been constructive and professional regarding protections for the Zaporizhzhia NPP. He pointed out that Ukraine has been reluctant to commit to obligations and guarantees that the plant will not pose a threat to Ukrainian territory. The diplomat emphasized that cross-border cooperation, with the IAEA acting as a neutral steward, could help build confidence among all parties and foster a path toward a more stable security framework for the plant and the surrounding region.