Russia, IAEA describe Kaliningrad nuclear talks as “productive” PHOTO/UPDATED

Inter-agency consultations between Russia and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have concluded in Kaliningrad, with both sides describing the discussions as tense but productive.

Rosatom Director General Alexey Likhachev said the talks addressed complex issues surrounding nuclear safety and the situation at the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) in Ukraine, Caliber.Az reports per Russian media.

“Despite the very emotional and complex nature of the talks, I would describe them as productive,” Likhachev said following the meeting.

IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi also characterised the discussions as difficult but constructive, emphasising the importance of continued dialogue.

Likhachev said Russia believes IAEA reports do not fully reflect what Moscow considers the complete situation at the Zaporizhzhia plant, particularly regarding alleged threats from Ukrainian forces. At the same time, he praised the agency’s response to issues related to the plant’s energy stability and called for further assistance in addressing security concerns around the facility.

“We have analysed and listened to statements by the Russian military regarding the dynamics of hostilities since the last consultation, in mid-March of this year. I would like to emphasise that, by the most conservative estimates, the plant has endured more than 460 drone attacks and more than 16 artillery strikes over these months,” Likhachev said.

Grossi, responding to questions about alleged attacks on the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, said the IAEA was working to ensure the protection of the facility’s personnel and their families.

Likhachev also said IAEA personnel had participated in demining activities at the plant site and thanked the agency for conducting 35 missions to the facility.

Both sides reaffirmed the importance of maintaining regular communication on nuclear safety issues and continuing discussions on unresolved matters.

14:29

Rosatom Director General Alexei Likhachev and International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi have begun talks in the Russian city of Kaliningrad, with discussions expected to focus on nuclear safety issues, including the Zaporizhzhia and Bushehr nuclear power plants.

Representatives from the Russian Ministry of Defence, the Federal Service for Environmental, Technological and Nuclear Supervision (Rostekhnadzor), and the Russian National Guard are also expected to participate in the meeting, Caliber.Az reports per Russian media.

Russia's permanent representative to international organisations in Vienna, Mikhail Ulyanov, is also taking part in the consultations. The agenda is expected to include the situation at the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine and Iran's Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant.

Ahead of the meeting, Ulyanov said that he had already "discussed the prospects for resolving the conflict between the United States and Iran and the Agency's role in this process."

By Sabina Mammadli