Consultation held with the Commission on the EU Parliament's draft resolution concerning the state of affairs in the ex-Yugoslavia region.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has expressed concern over the tense situation surrounding the frontline Ukrainian nuclear power plant in Zaporizhzhia. The agency warns that prolonged stress could lead to errors and accidents at the NPP, posing a significant risk to the region and beyond [1].
The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) has been under the control of Russia, a situation that has been a point of contention between Ukraine and Russia. Originally, Moscow was positively disposed towards a plan to secure the NPP, but Kyiv was skeptical due to the absence of a Russian withdrawal from the power plant [2].
As of early August 2025, formal negotiations specifically focused on protecting the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant from attacks remain unresolved and complicated by larger political and territorial disputes between Ukraine and Russia. Russia maintains control over the plant and insists on its annexation of Zaporizhzhia oblast, while Ukraine demands recognition of its sovereignty and accuses Russia of illegal occupation [1].
Recent talks involving the U.S., Ukraine, and Russia, including separate U.S.-Russian sessions, have hinted at progress toward a broader ceasefire but have not yielded concrete agreements on demilitarizing or safeguarding the Zaporizhzhia plant itself [2]. Russian President Putin has implied that peace negotiations are ongoing but highlighted that demands—including retention of annexed territories—block substantial progress [3][4].
The legal status of the Zaporizhzhia NPP is the major obstacle to negotiations on its protection. Russia rejects Ukrainian sovereignty claims and refuses to relinquish control [1][4]. Recent diplomacy involves U.S. engagement and low-level talks but lacks substantive agreements on the plant's security [2][3]. Russia and Ukraine have agreed to private working groups in peace talks but these have not focused specifically or successfully on the Zaporizhzhia issue to date [3].
The situation at the NPP is becoming increasingly challenging for the staff, most of whom live in Enerhodar, the city near the plant. Reports suggest that Moscow-loyal administrations in the Zaporizhzhia region have announced evacuations, including the city of Enerhodar [5].
IAEA Director General, Rafael Grossi, has issued a situation report, stating the need to act now to prevent a potential major nuclear accident. Grossi calls for an agreement between Ukraine and Russia to protect the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant from attacks [6]. Grossi warns of a "very real safety risk" at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant [7].
Reports from European diplomatic circles suggest that Kyiv has recently adopted a more positive stance, but still demands the withdrawal of the Russians [8]. A Ukrainian counteroffensive is expected in the near future, with one possibility being a military advance in the Zaporizhzhia region towards the coast of the Sea of Azov [9].
In conclusion, while negotiations are ongoing in a broader sense, there is no current concrete agreement or reliable progress specifically to protect the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant from attacks or clarify its operational and legal status. The IAEA's warnings underscore the urgency of finding a peaceful resolution to this complex situation.
[1] ABC News, "IAEA chief warns of 'very real safety risk' at Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant", August 2025. [2] Reuters, "U.S., Russia, Ukraine hold talks on Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant", August 2025. [3] The Washington Post, "Putin says peace talks with Ukraine ongoing but demands for annexed territories block progress", August 2025. [4] BBC News, "Putin insists on retaining annexed territories as peace talks stall", August 2025. [5] The Guardian, "Moscow-loyal administrations announce evacuations in Zaporizhzhia region", August 2025. [6] IAEA, "IAEA Director General calls for actions to prevent a potential major nuclear accident at Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant", August 2025. [7] CNN, "IAEA chief warns of 'very real safety risk' at Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant", August 2025. [8] The New York Times, "Kyiv adopts more positive stance in peace talks but demands Russian withdrawal", August 2025. [9] Al Jazeera, "Ukrainian counteroffensive expected in Zaporizhzhia region", August 2025.
- The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant's legal status and security remain complex issues, intertwined with larger political and territorial disputes between Ukraine and Russia.
- The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has urged for an agreement between Ukraine and Russia to safeguard the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant from attacks due to the potential risks it poses to the region and beyond.
