Rosatom and International Atomic Energy (IAEA) Director General, Rafael Mariano Grossi, have held consultations in Kaliningrad on the situation at the Zaporozhia NPP (ZNPP), in the wake of Grossi’s visit to the plant. The Russian delegation was led by Rosatom Director General Alexey Likhachev. Also present were the head of regulator Rostekhnadzor, Alexander Trembitsky; the head of the Radiation, Chemical & Biological Protection Troops of the Russian Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov; the head of the Federal National Guard Troops Service, Vladimir Mashevsky; and Deputy Director of the Foreign Ministry Department for Nonproliferation & Arms Control Igor Vishnevetsky. This was the same delegation Grossi had held discussions with on a previous visit to Moscow.

Rosatom said the meeting was held “in the spirit of the practice that has developed over the past year of regularly checking developments between Rosatom and interested Russian departments and the IAEA Secretariat”. The discussion focused on issues related to ensuring nuclear and physical safety at ZNPP, and specifically the results of the Grossi’s recent trip to the plant at the head of the latest rotational mission of the IAEA.

Commenting on that visit, Rosatom said Grossi was able to personally see the consequences of the shelling of the station, which had occurred in November last year after his last visit. “As a positive, he noted the presence at the station of new Russian diesel generators and block-modular boiler houses.” Likhachev informed Grossi about the steps being taken by the Russian side to ensure the safe operation of ZNPP.

The meeting also discussed the state of affairs around Grossi’s initiative to ensure nuclear and physical safety at the plant. “The readiness of the Russian side to continue work on its implementation was emphasised, Rosatom said. “Issues of current and future cooperation between Russia and the IAEA in other areas were discussed. The parties confirmed the agreement to continue contacts.”

After the meeting, Grossi wrote on Twitter: “I met high level officials from several Russian agencies today in Kaliningrad. I continue my efforts to protect the Zaporizhia Nuclear Power Plant. My recent visit to ZNPP confirmed the urgent need to achieve this vital objective, which is in everyone’s interest.”

At a press conference after the Kaliningrad talks, Grossi said in reply to questions that “military action is increasing in the whole region”. He added “So every possible measure and precaution should be taken so that the plant is not attacked and can be protected.”