Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with Rafael Grossi, the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), on Sunday to address critical issues surrounding the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP). The discussions focused on the need to restore Ukrainian control over the facility, which has been under Russian occupation.
During the meeting, Zelensky emphasized the unacceptable nature of formalizing or legitimizing the Russian presence at the ZNPP. He expressed concerns about recent temporary power outages affecting the plant’s reactors and the potential consequences of these actions.
The president reiterated that for the safe operation of the nuclear facility, it must return to the oversight of a licensed Ukrainian operator and regulatory authority. He stated, “We agreed to continue IAEA missions to ensure ongoing monitoring of the ZNPP’s condition.”
Zelensky also expressed gratitude to Grossi and his team for visiting Ukraine, coinciding with the 40th anniversary of the Chernobyl disaster, highlighting the importance of nuclear safety in the region.
Ukrainian President Zelensky and IAEA Chief Grossi discussed the urgent need for Ukraine to regain control of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. The meeting addressed safety concerns and the implications of Russian occupation, emphasizing ongoing monitoring efforts by the IAEA.