IAEA Chief Rafael Grossi Set to Soon Revisit Ukraine and Russia
The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency said he will travel to Kyiv in the next few days amid reports that Russian troops are building power lines to link the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant to its grid.
"I can mention that over the coming days, I will be returning to Kyiv again and possibly visiting Russia as well," Rafael Grossi said to Euronews while addressing a gathering of international journalists during a week-long workshop in Vienna.
The New York Times recently highlighted that Russian troops are constructing power lines in the areas of southern and eastern Ukraine they currently control. Data collected by Greenpeace along with satellite imagery reveal newly installed electrical lines and towers connecting the occupied Ukrainian towns of Mariupol and Berdyansk along the Sea of Azov coastline, noticeable only from February 2025 onwards.
Greenpeace suggests that this indicates Moscow’s readiness to resume operations at and make use of the biggest nuclear power facility in Europe, which had previously ceased functioning. This concern is shared by the IAEA.
"The front remains highly active, hence military operations continue in the general vicinity of the plant," Grossi informed Euronews.
We have concerns regarding this issue, which we're closely monitoring. You should know that we maintain an ongoing presence at the facility. We will continue these conversations, particularly with the Russian representatives, as mentioned earlier,” he stated, further noting that “the concept of resuming operations at the plant necessitates meticulous deliberation along with comprehensive safety assessments. This topic will be among those discussed during my upcoming meetings over the coming days.
US-Iran deal
The Argentine diplomat, who traveled to Tehran in April, is closely monitoring the discussions between the U.S. government and Iran. Grossi mentioned that he communicates regularly with Foreign Minister Al Aghji, and one of his deputies is currently in Tehran today.
On certain days, things appear somewhat better," stated Grossi, yet he also noted that at times President Trump says one thing, whereas the Iranians respond with something else.
Any US-Iran deal should include the scope for 'robust' IAEA inspections, Grossi said, reiterating recent comments that agreement without the IAEA would just be a "piece of paper".
Grossi called the talks a good sign but insisted that “the jury is still out” on negotiations between Iran and the US over Tehran's advancing nuclear programme.
The Trump administration is presently engaged in discussions aimed at preventing Iran from proceeding with nuclear efforts. In 2016, the Trump administration pulled out of the 2015 Iran nuclear agreement.
UN top job
Grossi was questioned about his upcoming plans, specifically if he has any interest in taking over from Antonio Guterres as the head of the United Nations when Guterres's term concludes in December 2026.
“What I’ve told associates elsewhere is that I’m seriously contemplating this idea; yes. However, at present, I am here, and as you can see from our conversation, I have quite a bit on my plate,” he stated.
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