IAEA Chief Rafael Mariano Grossi arrives in Ukraine
Ukrainian Minister of Energy Herman Halushchenko and IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi (x.com/rafaelmgrossi)
Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, arrived in Ukraine on Tuesday, June 3. He has already met with Minister of Energy Herman Halushchenko, as the IAEA chief reported.
"Begun my 12th visit to Ukraine since February 2022, reaffirming the IAEA's support for the country," Grossi wrote.
According to the IAEA Director General, he discussed with Halushchenko how the Agency can help Ukraine restore its energy infrastructure, including new units at the Khmelnytskyi Nuclear Power Plant, repairs at the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant, and assessments of substations.
The Ministry of Energy reported that the parties discussed cooperation on ensuring nuclear and radiation safety in Ukraine amid ongoing Russian military aggression, as well as the potential for further development of the country's nuclear power generation.
Grossi and Halushchenko also addressed the threats posed by Russia's occupation of the largest nuclear power plant in Europe — the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant.
The Minister of Energy emphasized that only a licensed Ukrainian operator can ensure compliance with safety standards and the safe operation of the nuclear facility. Therefore, the Zaporizhzhia NPP must be returned to Ukraine's full and sovereign control.
Special emphasis was placed on cooperation in developing Ukraine's nuclear energy potential.
Halushchenko also noted that Ukraine possesses strong human capital for advancing its nuclear energy sector, along with unique experience in operating nuclear units under wartime conditions.
Grossi's visit to Ukraine
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi recently announced that he would visit Kyiv in the coming days, amid reports that Russian forces are constructing power lines to connect the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant to their own energy system.
"I can say that, in the next few days, I will go to Kyiv again and perhaps also to Russia," Grossi stated.
He emphasized that the situation on the front line remains "extremely active," with military operations continuing in relative proximity to the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant.
