IAEA Conducts Rotation at Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant Without Ukraine’s Approval

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has reportedly conducted a rotation of its observers at the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) without coordination with Ukraine for the first time. The development comes despite prior warnings from the European Union.

On February 28, journalist Rikard Jozwiak from Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty suggested that IAEA planned to rotate its mission at ZNPP exclusively through temporarily Russian-occupied Ukrainian territory, potentially via Crimea. The information was later confirmed on March 1, with Jozwiak stating that the rotation had taken place without Ukraine’s consent.

According to Russian state media, Rosatom also confirmed the rotation, specifying that the IAEA experts traveled through occupied territory under the escort of Russian National Guard personnel. The 27th IAEA observer team reportedly included three inspectors tasked with monitoring the safety and operational conditions of the facility.

ZNPP has been under Russian control since March 2022, following the early stages of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The site has since been militarized, with reports of Russian troops and military equipment stationed at the plant. This has raised concerns about nuclear safety, particularly given previous power outages at the facility.

On February 11, Ukraine’s Ministry of Energy reported that one of ZNPP’s two power lines was disabled due to Russian shelling, bringing the plant closer to a blackout scenario.

The IAEA has maintained a presence at ZNPP since September 2022, conducting regular rotations of its monitoring teams.

However, this is the first known instance of such a rotation occurring without Ukraine’s involvement. Jozwiak described the move as a significant shift, noting that it was conducted despite warnings from the EU. He also linked the decision to IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi’s potential candidacy for the position of United Nations Secretary-General.

Neither IAEA nor Ukrainian authorities have issued official statements regarding the latest rotation. Meanwhile, Russian sources claim that the process was preceded by extensive consultations, including a high-level meeting between Grossi and Rosatom leadership in Moscow.

Earlier, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant should be part of Ukraine’s and Europe’s security framework. Speaking from Abu Dhabi on February 17, he underscored the plant’s strategic importance, stating that it cannot operate without Ukraine and plays a crucial role in regional stability. He also highlighted Europe’s need to strengthen its energy and defense sectors, particularly as the U.S. increasingly prioritizes domestic policies.