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Head of UN Nuclear Watchdog Visits Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia Plant

The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) visited the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in Enerhodar, Ukraine, for a second time on Wednesday, March 29, calling its protection “absolutely necessary”.

Video released by the IAEA shows director general Rafael Mariano Grossi at the plant.

“It is very, very important that we agree on the fundamental principle that a nuclear power plant should not be attacked under any circumstances,” Grossi says in the footage.

Grossi met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky two days before to discuss the situation at the plant, local media reported. Credit: IAEA via Storyful

Video transcript

RFAEL MARIANO GROSSI: In the course of my seventh visit to Ukraine and after my second visit to the Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant, I am now more convinced than ever that the protection of the plant is absolutely necessary.

I've been able to assess the damage sustained by this facility after the shelling of November the 20th and also the problems that occurred after the repeated blackouts. Protect Zaporizhzhya is possible. The IAEA and I myself will continue to work to this end.

- [SPEAKING UKRAINIAN]

RFAEL MARIANO GROSSI: It is very, very important that we agree on the fundamental principle that a nuclear power plant should not be attacked under any circumstances. Or it shouldn't be used to attack others, likewise. Nuclear accident with radiological consequences will spare no one. I am trying to put on the table realistic viable proposals that can be accepted by all.