IAEA: Increased risks for Kursk and Zaporizhzhzhia nuclear power plants

Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), warns of threats to the Kursk and Zaporizhia nuclear power plants, which are exposed to military tensions in Russia and Ukraine.

Share:

Gain full professional access to energynews.pro from 4.90$/month.
Designed for decision-makers, with no long-term commitment.

Over 30,000 articles published since 2021.
150 new market analyses every week to decode global energy trends.

Monthly Digital PRO PASS

Immediate Access
4.90$/month*

No commitment – cancel anytime, activation in 2 minutes.

*Special launch offer: 1st month at the indicated price, then 14.90 $/month, no long-term commitment.

Annual Digital PRO Pass

Full Annual Access
99$/year*

To access all of energynews.pro without any limits

*Introductory annual price for year one, automatically renewed at 149.00 $/year from the second year.

Fighting in Ukraine and Russia raises major nuclear safety concerns.
The Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, expresses his concerns about the Kursk power plant in Russia and the Zaporijjia power plant in Ukraine.
These plants are located in areas of intense military confrontation, and their safety is under threat.
At a meeting in Kaliningrad, Rafael Grossi described the situation at the Kursk plant as “alarming”.
The two reactors currently operating on this site have no specific protection against possible strikes or accidents linked to the conflict.
Located in a region where Ukrainian forces led an offensive in early August, the Kursk plant could be directly affected by hostilities.
Grossi insists on the need for heightened vigilance and rigorous management to avoid serious incidents.

Direct threats to strategic infrastructures

The Russian-controlled Zaporijjia power plant remains the focus of concern.
Recent damage to a cooling tower has highlighted the site’s vulnerability.
While Moscow accuses Ukraine of orchestrating the attack via drones, Kiev denies any involvement.
This facility, the largest in Europe, is regularly targeted, with each side blaming the other for incidents.
The stakes are clear: guaranteeing nuclear safety in a context of conflict requires precise and rigorous management.
The Kursk and Zaporizhia facilities are critical infrastructures whose safety is crucial not only for the countries in conflict, but also for the entire European region.

International Coordination and Follow-up

Rafael Grossi calls for continuous monitoring of nuclear sites in conflict zones.
He asserts that power plants must never become military targets, insisting on compliance with international conventions on the subject.
Discussions with Rosatom’s Alexei Likhatchev show agreement on the possibility of sending IAEA experts to sites in the event of an immediate threat.
The situation calls for coordinated action and total transparency between the parties involved.
The slightest failure in communication or safety could have serious consequences for the environment and the population.
The Kursk plant, although “operating normally” according to Rosatom, remains under strict observation by the IAEA.
Any change in the fighting near these facilities will require rapid intervention.

Risk Management and Preparedness for Extreme Scenarios

Rapidly changing military situations around these power plants mean that we need to be prepared for extreme crisis scenarios.
Safety protocols need to be adapted in line with developments in the field.
The IAEA’s role remains central to assessing threats in real time and ensuring that appropriate measures are put in place.
Rafael Grossi’s recent announcements on the situation at Kursk and Zaporizhjia underline the need for ongoing dialogue and enhanced cooperation between the IAEA and local authorities.
The current geopolitical context leaves no margin for error.
Nuclear safety in these conflict regions is an urgent priority, requiring ongoing efforts and dedicated resources.

Donald Trump threatens to escalate US sanctions against Russia, but only if NATO member states stop all Russian oil imports, which remain active via certain pipelines.
The two countries agreed to develop infrastructure dedicated to liquefied natural gas to strengthen Europe's energy security and boost transatlantic trade.
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei calls for modernising the oil industry and expanding export markets as Tehran faces the possible reactivation of 2015 nuclear deal sanctions.
The Ukrainian president demanded that Slovakia end its imports of Russian crude, offering an alternative supply solution amid ongoing war and growing diplomatic tensions over the Druzhba pipeline.
The United States cuts tariffs on Japanese imports to 15%, while Tokyo launches a massive investment plan targeting American energy, industry, and agriculture.
Brazil’s Cop 30 presidency aims to leverage the Dubai commitments to mobilise public and private actors despite ongoing deadlock in international negotiations.
Brasília has officially begun the process of joining the International Energy Agency, strengthening its strategic position on the global energy stage after years of close cooperation with the Paris-based organisation.
During a meeting in Beijing, Vladimir Putin called on Slovakia to suspend its energy deliveries to Ukraine, citing Ukrainian strikes on Russian energy infrastructure as justification.
Vladimir Putin and Robert Fico met in China to address the war in Ukraine, regional security and energy relations between Russia and Slovakia.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico plans to meet Vladimir Putin in Beijing before receiving Volodymyr Zelensky in Bratislava, marking a diplomatic shift in his relations with Moscow and Kyiv.
The three European powers activate the UN sanctions mechanism against Iran, increasing pressure on the country's oil exports as Tehran maintains high production despite Western measures.
Iran once again authorises the International Atomic Energy Agency to inspect its nuclear sites, following a suspension triggered by a dispute over responsibility for Israeli strikes.
First suspect linked to the Nord Stream pipeline explosions, a Ukrainian citizen challenged by Berlin opposes his judicial transfer from Italy.
Ukrainian drones targeted a nuclear power plant and a Russian oil terminal, increasing pressure on diplomatic talks as Moscow and Kyiv accuse each other of blocking any prospect of negotiation.
A Ukrainian national suspected of coordinating the Nord Stream pipeline sabotage has been apprehended in Italy, reigniting a judicial case with significant geopolitical implications across Europe.
Russia continues hydrocarbon deliveries to India and explores new outlets for liquefied natural gas, amid escalating trade tensions with the United States.
Azerbaijani energy infrastructure targeted in Ukraine raises concerns over the security of gas flows between Baku and Kyiv, just as a new supply agreement has been signed.
The suspension of 1,400 MW of electricity supplied by Iran to Iraq puts pressure on the Iraqi grid, while Tehran records a record 77 GW demand and must balance domestic consumption with regional obligations.
Beijing opposes the possible return of European trio sanctions against Iran, as the nuclear deal deadline approaches and diplomatic tensions rise around Tehran.
The United States plans to collaborate with Pakistan on critical minerals and hydrocarbons, exploring joint ventures and projects in strategic areas such as Balochistan.

Log in to read this article

You'll also have access to a selection of our best content.