Zelensky and Grossi Agree on Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant Monitoring: Key Decisions on Chernobyl Anniversary

Meeting Between Ukraine’s President and IAEA Director General

According to Главком: On April 26, 2026, at the National Chernobyl Museum, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). This meeting took place on the 40th anniversary of the Chernobyl disaster, adding deep symbolic weight to the discussions. Zelensky expressed gratitude to Grossi and his team for visiting Ukraine on such a significant day, emphasizing that holding the meeting at a museum dedicated to the Chernobyl catastrophe serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of a nuclear accident.

Safety Concerns at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant

During the talks, the focus was on safety issues surrounding the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP). Zelensky strongly condemned any attempts to formalize or legitimize Russia’s presence at the facility.

“For safe operation, the plant must be returned to the control of a licensed operator and Ukraine’s nuclear regulator,” he stated.

The discussion also covered temporary power outages affecting the plant’s units, reductions in their output, and the potential consequences of such actions.

Zelensky and Grossi agreed to continue IAEA missions to ensure ongoing monitoring of the ZNPP’s status.

“Ukraine and the IAEA have agreed to extend the organization’s missions to provide continuous oversight of the situation at the ZNPP,” the president emphasized.

As part of the events marking the 40th anniversary of the Chernobyl disaster, a new permanent exhibition titled ‘Chernobyl: People and Meanings’ was inaugurated at the museum.

This meeting also served as a solemn reminder of the 1986 tragedy, whose effects are still felt today. Zelensky paid tribute to those who sacrificed their lives to contain the radiation. Today, Ukraine and the world honor the victims of the Chernobyl accident, underscoring the critical importance of nuclear safety in the current context.

Marking the 40th anniversary of the Chernobyl disaster highlights the pressing relevance of nuclear safety issues, especially given the ongoing situation at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. Cooperation between Ukraine and the IAEA is essential for ensuring stability and security in the region and for preventing potential nuclear threats in the future. This meeting not only commemorates the victims but also underscores the need for continued international support in the realm of nuclear safety.

As discussions around nuclear safety intensify, it is crucial to consider the broader implications of ongoing threats to critical infrastructure. Recent warnings from Zelensky highlight how Russian military actions jeopardize Chernobyl's facilities, underscoring the urgent need for international oversight and support in protecting these vital sites from further damage.