Grossi Engages in Direct Negotiations: Situation in Zaporizhzhia

The representative of the IAEA has announced that the agency’s mission has been halted for 3 hours in areas controlled by Ukraine, but they intend to reach the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant today. This was reported by Reuters.

According to the media outlet, IAEA Director Rafael Grossi has made a statement amid shelling in Enerhodar (where the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant is located).

It is noted that the IAEA mission plans to immediately assess the security situation related to the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. Grossi also stated that the IAEA will explore the possibility of establishing a permanent presence there.

Reports indicate that Grossi is currently negotiating directly with Ukrainian military officials.

The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant is situated on the left bank of the Dnipro River, near the city of Enerhodar. It is the largest nuclear power plant in Europe by the number of reactors and approved capacity, featuring six energy blocks. Since March, the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant has been under the protection of Russian military forces.

The Russian Foreign Ministry has emphasized the importance of the Russian military taking control of the power plant to prevent the leakage of nuclear and radioactive materials.

It is worth recalling that on the early morning of February 24, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the decision to launch a special military operation against Ukraine, as the self-proclaimed LPR and DPR requested assistance.

Military actions in Ukraine are now entering their 189th day.