- Rosatom (ROSN.ME) chief warns situation at Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant is nearing point of no return.
- IAEA continues to call for unimpeded access and de-escalation amid rising military activity.
- Risk of a radiological incident persists without credible international oversight.
The head of Rosatom, Alexey Likhachev, told Interfax that the situation at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant is rapidly deteriorating and approaching a point of no return. The warning comes as military activity around the site intensifies, raising fears of a potential nuclear accident.
According to Likhachev, Rosatom maintains operational control and is implementing all necessary safety measures, but the security environment is increasingly fragile. The company has repeatedly urged international bodies to help ensure the plant’s protection.
The International Atomic Energy Agency has echoed these concerns, emphasizing the need for continued monitoring and unrestricted access for its inspectors. IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi has called for restraint and a demilitarized zone around the facility, but no agreement has been reached.
The Zaporizhzhia plant, seized by Russian forces in March 2022, has been a flashpoint throughout the conflict. Both sides have accused each other of shelling near the site, and the plant has faced multiple blackouts due to grid damage. Without a credible safety framework, experts say the risk of a serious incident remains high.
Rosatom’s statement comes as the company continues to engage with international partners on safety protocols, though sources familiar with the matter say diplomatic efforts have stalled. Attempts to reach the Ukrainian nuclear regulator for comment were unsuccessful.
Correction: An earlier version of this article misstated the date of the plant’s seizure. It was seized in March 2022, not February.