Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine has sparked growing fears of a nuclear disaster, with the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant repeatedly caught in the conflict. As Moscow intensifies its attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, concerns over nuclear security and stability have reached new heights.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief, Rafael Grossi, has announced plans to travel to Moscow for high-level discussions with Russian officials. His visit aims to address the increasing threats to Ukraine’s nuclear facilities and prevent further risks to nuclear safety.
“I have always maintained open communication with both Kyiv and Moscow throughout this war,” Grossi told reporters. He emphasized the need for diplomatic engagement, having previously met with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, and nuclear industry leaders.
Grossi acknowledged that there have been several near-miss incidents at Zaporizhzhia, Europe’s largest nuclear power plant, which has been under Russian occupation since the start of the war. Given its location near the front lines, he refrained from blaming either side for strikes that have endangered the plant.
Ukraine relies on three operational nuclear power plants that generate more than half of the country’s electricity. However, Russia’s repeated strikes on energy infrastructure have put nuclear safety at serious risk.
During a visit to Kyiv on Tuesday, Grossi inspected a damaged electrical substation and warned that further attacks on energy grids could disrupt cooling systems at nuclear plants, potentially leading to dangerous consequences.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned Russia’s attacks on critical energy sites, stating, “Striking nuclear power plants is unacceptable under any circumstances.” He also accused Russia of detaining two Ukrainian engineers from the Zaporizhzhia plant, allegedly for possessing pro-Ukrainian content on their phones.
Russia has ramped up its targeting of Ukraine’s power grid, aiming to cripple essential services, including electricity, heating, and water supply while undermining Ukraine’s defense industry.
Although the six reactors at Zaporizhzhia have been shut down for months, they still require constant power and trained personnel to maintain cooling systems and prevent a meltdown. Russia’s attacks on electrical substations heighten the risks—if external power is lost, emergency diesel generators become the last line of defense against a nuclear catastrophe.
Grossi’s upcoming visit to Moscow highlights the critical need for nuclear safety measures as the war continues to pose unprecedented threats to Ukraine, Europe, and global security.
