Alexey Likhachev, head of Russian state nuclear corporation Rosatom, held talks with International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Rafael Grossi on the sidelines of the IAEA General Conference in Vienna on Monday. The meeting focused on nuclear safety and operational security at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant and within the nearby city of Enerhodar.
Likhachev informed Grossi that security conditions surrounding the facility have deteriorated significantly over recent months. Rosatom reported that more than 750 artillery and drone strikes have targeted the plant and Enerhodar over the past four and a half months, resulting in 20 deaths, including nine plant employees, and injuring over 100 individuals.
Focus on Fuel Logistics and International Assistance
Discussions placed specific emphasis on recent military strikes targeting transport vehicles supplying fuel to the installation. Likhachev emphasized that the targeted tankers were delivering essential diesel fuel required to power backup generators and maintain vital safety systems across the plant.
According to Rosatom, Grossi indicated that the international watchdog remains prepared to explore mechanisms through which the agency could facilitate and assist with future fuel deliveries. Likhachev also urged the IAEA Secretariat to expand its role beyond documenting security incidents and formally identify entities responsible for attacks on logistics supplying the facility. Grossi reaffirmed his commitment to maintaining dialogue with Russian authorities to ensure ongoing nuclear safety and preserve monitoring protocols at the site.
