The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant issue is complicating negotiations between Ukraine, the U.S., and Russia — Grossi
The de-occupation of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, which was seized by Russian troops, remains one of the most difficult issues in the negotiations between Ukraine, the United States, and Russia. This was stated by Grossi.
Rafael Grossi made this remark at a press briefing in New York while answering a question from a Ukrinform correspondent about what the IAEA, which he heads, is doing to facilitate the de-occupation of the Zaporizhzhia NPP.
“There is an ongoing process that is quite frequently intensified between the U.S., Russia, and Ukraine,” Grossi said. “And in this process, one of the key issues is the problem of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, alongside territorial issues—as one of the most pressing problems and issues that are the hardest to resolve.”
According to him, the IAEA’s main concern is “the safety of the facility and preventing a nuclear accident.”
The Director General noted that during a recent visit to Ukraine, he discussed the situation with Volodymyr Zelenskyy and in contacts with other partners. At the same time, the agency maintains communication with the Russian side as well.
“My role is to talk to both sides to prevent a nuclear accident,” Grossi said.
He added that a final resolution of the situation surrounding the plant will largely depend on the results of the negotiations. The IAEA is not a party to these negotiations but supports the process.
Grossi also noted that negotiations are ongoing regarding the implementation of a sixth ceasefire to repair the external power lines supplying the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant.
“We have already managed to reach five such agreements. Now we need a sixth to carry out essential repair work,” he explained.
According to the Director General, the IAEA has established communication channels with military commanders on both sides, and there is a shared understanding of the need to carry out this work.
At the same time, he acknowledged that negotiations could be delayed due to technical details, particularly regarding the perimeter or length of the areas where the ceasefire is to apply.
“We are fairly confident that we will achieve a positive outcome, as in previous cases,” Grossi added.
The IAEAwarns of an increased risk of a nuclear disaster.
The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant recordedits 15th blackout since the start of the occupation.
Earlier, the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant resumed operations on Ukraine’s power grid after a one-and-a-half-hour interruption in external power supply.
The IAEA warns of a critical situation at the ZNPP; the plant is hanging on by a thread
The situation at the ZNPP: Is there a risk of a nuclear disaster?
