Russia’s nuclear firm chief, IAEA head discuss Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant safety

Alexey Likhachev, head of Russia’s state nuclear corporation Ros atom, met with Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), in Vienna on September 14 to discuss safety and security at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant.

The meeting was held on the sidelines of the IAEA’s 70th General Conference, which opened in the Austrian capital on September 14 , Caliber.Az reports per Russian media.

According to Rosatom, the talks focused on nuclear and physical safety at the Zaporizhzhia plant, Europe’s largest nuclear power facility, as well as the security situation in the nearby city of Enerhodar.

Likhachev and Grossi also discussed the continued presence of IAEA personnel at the plant. IAEA experts have maintained a rotating presence at the facility for more than four years, monitoring nuclear safety and security amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.

Rosatom said Likhachev drew Grossi’s attention to recent attacks on fuel tankers delivering diesel fuel to the Zaporizhzhia plant. According to the Russian nuclear corporation, the incidents resulted in casualties and disrupted deliveries of fuel considered essential for maintaining the plant’s nuclear safety systems.

Rosatom said Grossi indicated that the IAEA was prepared to explore ways the Agency could assist with such fuel deliveries.

Likhachev also urged the IAEA Secretariat to go beyond documenting incidents and seek to establish responsibility for attacks on supplies destined for the plant, according to the statement.

The two officials agreed to remain in close contact, including by telephone, on issues related to the safety of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant.

By Sabina Mammadli