UN Nuclear Watchdog Chief Rafael Grossi to Visit Moscow Over Ukraine's Nuclear Safety Concerns

The head of the United Nations atomic watchdog, Rafael Grossi, announced plans to visit Moscow soon. He aims to discuss Russia's ongoing attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, which pose risks to nuclear safety. Grossi highlighted that there have been several close calls at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, Europe's largest, currently under Russian control.

More than half of Ukraine's electricity comes from three operational nuclear plants. Russia's actions have increasingly jeopardised their functionality. The Zaporizhzhia plant, located in southeastern Ukraine, was seized by Russia early in the invasion. It ranks among the world's ten largest nuclear facilities.

Threats to Nuclear Safety

Grossi recently visited an electrical substation in Ukraine's Kyiv region. He noted that damage to such critical power grid components during the conflict threatens nuclear safety. This is because it could disrupt essential cooling processes at nuclear plants. Russia has targeted Ukraine's power grid to deprive the nation of heat, electricity, and water, aiming to weaken Ukrainian morale.

The war has raised fears of a nuclear disaster as Zaporizhzhia remains in a conflict zone. Although its six reactors have been inactive for months, they still require power and skilled personnel for vital cooling systems and safety measures. Attacks on electricity substations further endanger nuclear safety.

Emergency Measures and Concerns

When substations supplying power to nuclear plants are damaged or fail, emergency diesel generators become crucial. Grossi emphasised that these generators serve as the "last line of defence" against potential disasters. "And when you have a big nuclear power plant, you don't want to be at the last line of defence," Grossi stated during an interview with The Associated Press.

Russia's efforts to cripple Ukraine's power grid also aim to disrupt its defence manufacturing sector. The ongoing conflict has intensified concerns about a possible nuclear catastrophe due to repeated crossfire incidents at Zaporizhzhia.

Grossi refrained from blaming either side for attacks on the plant, citing its proximity to the front line as a complicating factor in determining responsibility. His upcoming visit to Moscow underscores the urgency of addressing these threats to ensure nuclear safety amid ongoing hostilities.