IAEA Team Rotation at Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Plant Halted Due to Escalating Military Activity

Grossi further stressed the urgency of resolving the security issues to enable IAEA personnel to continue their critical monitoring and advisory roles at ZNPP.

The planned rotation of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) team stationed at Ukraine's Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) was abruptly cancelled today amid intensified military clashes in the region, according to IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi.

Despite receiving written assurances from both Ukrainian and Russian authorities that the rotation could proceed safely, the heightened danger on the ground forced the mission's cancellation. This development raises renewed concerns over nuclear safety and the protection of international personnel operating in the conflict zone.

Director General Grossi expressed his strong disapproval of the situation, stating, "I deeply regret the cancellation of this carefully coordinated rotation, which is crucial for ensuring nuclear safety. Our staff are performing vital work under exceptionally difficult conditions to prevent a nuclear accident. It is unacceptable that their safety is endangered."

Grossi further stressed the urgency of resolving the security issues to enable IAEA personnel to continue their critical monitoring and advisory roles at ZNPP. He announced that he is in active dialogue with both parties involved in the conflict to guarantee safe conditions for future rotations and ensure the uninterrupted presence of IAEA experts at the plant.

The IAEA has maintained a continuous presence at ZNPP since the onset of the conflict, providing impartial assessments of the plant's safety status and seeking to mitigate nuclear risks in the war-torn region. The latest disruption underscores the severe hazards posed by the ongoing military confrontations near the nuclear facility.

The international community is closely monitoring the situation, with increasing calls for immediate measures to safeguard nuclear sites and personnel. The IAEA remains committed to supporting efforts that prioritize safety, security, and the prevention of nuclear incidents during the conflict.