The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) appears to have conducted a rotation of its observers at the temporarily occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant for the first time without coordination with Ukraine.
Rumors about the possibility of such a development emerged on February 28. At that time, Radio Free Europe journalist Rikard Jozwiak reported that the IAEA would carry out the rotation of its mission at the Zaporizhzhia NPP solely through the territories of Ukraine occupied by Russia – likely via Crimea.
"Without Ukraine's consent and despite warnings from the EU. A bold move for R. Grossi, who aims to become the next UN Secretary-General," he wrote then.
On March 1, Jozwiak confirmed that this indeed took place:
"What seemed impossible just a few days ago has happened. The IAEA has deployed its personnel at the Zaporizhzhia NPP through Russian-occupied territories without coordination with Ukraine."
Occupation of the ZNPP
The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant has been under the control of Russian occupiers since March 2022 – essentially from the very first days of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. During this time, the Russians have significantly militarized the plant, with reports indicating that not only Russian military personnel are present there but also their equipment, which constitutes a serious violation.
Moreover, due to the actions of the occupiers, the plant has repeatedly been on the brink of blackout. For instance, on February 11, the Ministry of Energy reported that one of the two power supply lines of the temporarily occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant was de-energized as a result of enemy shelling.