What Is Happening in Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant?

The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Mariano Grossi, has made a second visit to the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant in Ukraine amidst escalating fighting around it. Accompanied by three IAEA inspectors who will replace an outgoing monitoring team, Grossi was shown around the plant by Russian occupying forces and officials. He stated that every possible measure and precaution should be taken to prevent the plant from being attacked.

The negotiations for protections for the plant have stalled on Russian refusal to withdraw its armed forces from the site, which is a Ukrainian precondition for agreement. Grossi has warned that a direct hit or safety system breakdown could cause a catastrophe. The plant is located on the south bank of the Dnieper river, which forms the frontline at a time when Russian forces have attempted to conduct offensives and Ukraine is widely expected to launch a counter-offensive in the coming months. The IAEA is working to negotiate protections for the plant, with the concept evolving to focus more on the protection itself and the things that should be avoided.