Putin welcomes IAEA director to Kremlin amid nuclear talks
On the evening of September 25, a meeting took place in Moscow between Russian President Vladimir Putin and the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, according to a post by Grossi on X.
According to Grossi, the discussion focused on nuclear energy, non-proliferation of nuclear technologies, and challenges in the areas of safety and security. He expressed gratitude for the support of the IAEA’s professional and impartial work.
Timely and important exchange with Russia’s President Putin on nuclear energy, non-proliferation, and nuclear safety and security challenges.
— Rafael Mariano Grossi (@rafaelmgrossi) September 25, 2025
Grateful for the support to the impartial and professional work of the @IAEAorg. pic.twitter.com/n92Yu9ojvi
Russian media, citing the Kremlin, reported that Putin emphasized that Moscow’s cooperation with the agency is established in almost all areas and specifically concerns global nuclear security.
Rafael Grossi’s visit to Russia coincided with the World Nuclear Energy Week being held in Moscow. In his post, he emphasized that the IAEA exists to ensure the safe and reliable implementation of nuclear projects that meet the highest non-proliferation standards.
This is not the first trip by the agency’s head to Russia in 2025. In February, Grossi met in Moscow with Rosatom head Alexey Likhachov, discussing the safety of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, which has been under Russian occupation since 2022.
On September 15, Grossi warned that military actions still pose a serious threat to the Zaporizhzhia plant. A few days later, the 69th IAEA General Conference adopted a resolution calling on Russia to leave the plant immediately.
Additionally, on July 2, Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian officially approved a law suspending cooperation with the IAEA. Earlier, the country’s parliament had approved the corresponding bill.
Under the enacted law, IAEA inspectors will no longer be allowed to enter Iran without approval from the Supreme National Security Council.
