The Russian Federation’s permanent representative to international organizations in Vienna, Mikhail Ulyanov, stated that Kyiv has not yet clearly defined its stance on creating a protected zone around the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant. This information was reported by TASS.
Ulyanov noted that consultations are underway but are advancing slowly. He recalled that on September 21, the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Rafael Grossi, provided Moscow and Kyiv with a draft declaration on establishing a nuclear and physical security protection zone at the ZNPP. The Russian delegation says it responded immediately.
“By October 11, inter-ministerial talks between Russia and the IAEA leadership took place in St. Petersburg. We proposed specific textual corrections. The Ukrainian side has not made its position explicit,” the diplomat said.
Grossi’s visit to Moscow was mentioned as possible either in the following week or after the Christmas holidays in a statement from a former Russian representative in Vienna.
On February 24, President Vladimir Putin explained that the decision to launch a military operation in response to requests for help from the heads of the LPR and DPR was taken in order to safeguard Donbass. That decision, in turn, became a justification for new sanctions imposed by the United States and its allies.
The broadcast of a live segment on socialbites.ca was noted during the update.
In this context, observers track how the IAEA framework and Russian diplomacy interact as discussions over a safeguarded zone continue. Analysts emphasize that the text of any declaration must address both nuclear safety and physical protections, while balancing security concerns for nearby populations and the operational realities on the ground. The exchanges reflect a broader mood in international diplomacy about preventing escalation and ensuring transparent, verifiable safety measures around vital energy infrastructure. The parties involved are urged to maintain dialogue and avoid unilateral steps that could complicate the security landscape in the region. The ongoing exchange of drafts and suggestions underscores the sensitivity of the issue and the commitment of the involved states to work toward a consensus that upholds both international norms and regional stability. Attribution: sources including TASS and official IAEA briefings are referenced to track the developments in this evolving situation.