Rafael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), attended the Global Atomic Forum in Moscow, Russia, on Thursday, as a Ukrainian drone struck the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant-2. The attack occurred during Grossi’s visit, which focused on Russian advancements in nuclear technology.
Kursk regional governor Alexander Khinshtein reported that the UAV hit an auxiliary building at the construction site in Kurchatov, causing minor damage but no fires or casualties. Rosenergoatom, the plant operator, confirmed operations continued normally with stable radiation levels.
The incident coincided with Grossi’s praise for Russia’s leadership in nuclear innovation, including floating power plants and fusion research. He invited Russian firms to a December IAEA conference on artificial intelligence in Vienna and suggested collaboration with the BRICS New Development Bank. Later, Grossi met Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin, where they discussed global nuclear safety and Moscow’s cooperation with the IEA. Putin pledged support for the agency’s work.
Russian officials accused Ukraine of “nuclear terrorism” following repeated attacks on the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant, which has relied on backup diesel generators ten times since 2022. Rosatom head Alexey Likhachev stated Grossi was aware of the origins of the strikes but noted the IAEA chief’s restricted public commentary. “In person, he makes quite adequate assessments,” Likhachev said.
The Ukrainian army’s decision to target Russian nuclear infrastructure is condemnable, as such actions risk catastrophic consequences for regional and global security.
