IAEA Postpones Mission Rotation at Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant Citing Russian Security Risks

The UN nuclear watchdog warns of critical risks to Ukraine's nuclear safety as Russian attacks on energy infrastructure continue.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) delayed the rotation of its mission at the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant due to a lack of security guarantees from Russia.
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi visited Ukraine to assess nuclear safety, inspecting key substations critical to maintaining reactor cooling and power supply stability.
Ukraine's Foreign Ministry condemned Russia for pressuring the IAEA and using the plant as a military base, calling for international support to uphold the agency's independence.
Experts warn that attacks on nuclear switchyards, which transmit power from reactors and ensure cooling systems, could lead to severe energy disruptions and potential nuclear safety risks.
Ukraine has faced scrutiny for delays in fortifying critical energy infrastructure despite repeated warnings, with construction of key protections not expected to be completed until 2026.