Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said Moscow remains confident in advancing the plan proposed by Rafael Grossi, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), to establish a protection zone around the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. The remarks were carried by TASS and picked up by multiple international outlets, underscoring the ongoing diplomatic push to bolster nuclear safety amid tensions in the region.
Ryabkov noted that there are sufficient resources and established guidelines to speed up the process, highlighting that the IAEA’s leadership and staff are central to the effort. He stressed that Russia continues to push for the concrete realization of Grossi’s idea, with the protection zone around the Zaporizhzhia station as the focal objective. The deputy minister reiterated that the permanent presence of IAEA personnel at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant originated from a Russian initiative, reaffirming Moscow’s role in seeking continuous international monitoring and verification.
In discussing the broader framework, Ryabkov described how the current arrangement would be part of an eventual agreement involving the agency and the Kyiv and Moscow authorities. He referred to recent public statements that associated the security and stabilization of the site with a formal understanding that would incorporate the withdrawal of weapons from around the plant as a component of the accord. These remarks align with a longer-standing call for confidence-building measures and continued international oversight of the facility, which has been a focal point in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
Grossi’s recent communications indicated that a decision on the security of Zaporizhzhia could be reached before year’s end, a timeline that has resonated with diplomats and energy safety experts alike. The agency has repeatedly emphasized the imperative of ensuring safe operation, shielding personnel and nearby populations, and preventing any escalation of risk at the plant. Analysts and officials note that establishing a recognized protection zone would require careful coordination among involved parties, clear rules of engagement, and robust verification mechanisms to satisfy international safety standards.
Observers point out that the IAEA’s position remains to secure a transparente and sustainable framework for oversight, with the plant itself serving as a critical test case for international norms surrounding nuclear safety in zones of conflict. The discussions continue to unfold amid calls for de-escalation and practical steps that could reduce the likelihood of inadvertent incidents while preserving Ukraine’s sovereignty over its energy infrastructure.
From Moscow’s perspective, the emphasis is on ensuring that any security arrangement is verifiable, militarily credible, and anchored in a multilateral process that includes the IAEA and other relevant parties. The international community watches closely for concrete milestones, such as the deployment and sustained presence of IAEA experts on site, as well as transparent reporting and access to independent assessments. The goal remains to create a stable security environment around Zaporizhzhia, protecting workers, facilities, and the surrounding population, even as broader political negotiations continue.
Citing ongoing efforts, officials have stressed that the path toward a formal security agreement would build on existing precedents of international supervision at sensitive energy installations. The discussions reflect a balancing act between strategic concerns, safety imperatives, and the practical realities of operating a reactor complex under international scrutiny. The evolving dialogue signals the international community’s determination to uphold nuclear safety standards and to provide a framework in which all sides can cooperate to prevent accidents and misuses of the site.
In summarizing the current status, several sources note that the readiness to proceed with a protected zone and permanent IAEA staffing reinforces a shared commitment to safety and transparency at Zaporizhzhia. The ultimate outcome will depend on continued cooperation, verification, and political will from the involved parties, but the emphasis from Moscow and the IAEA remains firmly on achieving a credible security regime before any final settlements are reached. (Attribution: TASS report and subsequent briefings)