UN nuclear chief seeks to secure nuclear safety during Ukraine visit

KYIV, Ukraine – The world’s most dangerous place is arguably the largest nuclear power plant Zaporizhzhia in Ukraine – the site of shelling during Russia’s invasion – and a laser-like of focus for Rafael Grossi, the director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

"The situation around Zaporizhzhia is getting worse with the evolution of the conflict," declared Grossi, who sat down with Fox News on Thursday. 

"The eastern front is, of course, heating up, so, I believe the establishment, some interim measure of protection of the nuclear site, is even more necessary and urgent than it ever was," Grossi added. "And I am very anxious to see that I am not getting there as fast I was expecting it to be, or to happen. So this is why it's so important that I can transmit these to [Ukrainian] President [Volodymyr] Zelenskyy, get his support. And it will be my mission to get the Russians to also accept this." 

He issued a dire warning in response to former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev’s comment that "The loss of a nuclear power [Russia] in a conventional war can provoke the beginning of a nuclear war." 

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Grossi said, "A nuclear war can never be won, must never be fought, somebody said, and I think it is true. So I'm not passing judgment on the comments of a high official of any country. But this is my conviction. And one way to avoid this is to make sure that there are no nuclear accidents. So certainly, I hope that there will be no nuclear use during this conflict." 

The six nuclear reactors that form the Zaporizhzhia installation amid an unpredictable war conjure up worries of a China syndrome-like meltdown. Zaporizhzhia is the largest nuclear facility in Europe. 

According to the IAEA’s website, the idea for the inspection agency originated in President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s 1953 "Atoms for Peace" speech and "was created in 1957 in response to the deep fears and expectations generated by the discoveries and diverse uses of nuclear technology." 

Grossi’s concerns about the volatile nuclear situation in Ukraine have prompted him to travel frequently to Ukraine since Russia’s invasion nearly a year ago on Feb. 24. "This is my sixth visit to Ukraine since the war started. So we are very engaged. " 

He added,, "Well, I'm looking at a protracted presence because, of course, we are all hoping for a speedy solution and peace as soon as practicable, and so soon as possible. But I can foresee a prolonged presence." 

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Grossi noted, "This week what I've been doing is I've been touring the country in a way and setting up these permanent missions, which have very specific technical tasks to perform. These places, although not in active combat zone, are not, of course, free from, you know, events. And as you have seen, and you see it here in Kyiv from time to time, there are hits and there have been occasions where there was a complete blackout and the stations had to be put in emergency mode. So there are lots of things we can do to support them, to provide technical assistance for them." 

The IAEA chief's itinerary includes a meeting with Zelenskyy "to continue these consultations in order to set up the protection zone around Zaporizhzhia . " 

The zone that Grossi referenced is the IAEA’s efforts over the last few months to create a no-fire zone around the Zaporizhzhia reactors. Ukraine insists that Russia withdraw its military from the atomic compound. Moscow has so far refused. 

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There was a flip side to what Grossi described as a "dismaying picture." He said "On the positive side… I see all the nuclear facilities extremely well run. You know, we are inspectors and we have a very professional look at what we see. There are certain issues that we are looking at." 

Grossi continued that there are many challenges, especially with supplies. "You shouldn't forget that these nuclear power plants are Russian technology here in the country. So when it comes to spare parts or when it comes to supplies, it's complicated. So the IAEA can help in this regard. "