IAEA Chief Rafael Grossi Visits Kursk Nuclear Plant

Rafael Grossi, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), is visiting Russia's Kursk nuclear power plant amid escalating tensions following Ukraine's unprecedented cross-border offensive on August 6. The plant, located about 60 kilometers from the Ukraine border and less than 50 kilometers from active fighting, has been accused by Russian President Vladimir Putin of being targeted by Ukrainian forces. Grossi aims to independently assess the situation after reports of drone fragments found near the plant's spent fuel storage area. The IAEA has consistently highlighted the dangers of military operations near nuclear facilities since the onset of the war in February 2022. The Kursk facility houses four reactors of the same type as Chernobyl, raising concerns about potential safety risks despite upgrades since the 1986 disaster. In his statements, Grossi emphasized the paramount importance of ensuring the safety and security of all nuclear power plants.