Ukraine condemns Grossi's meeting with Putin as propaganda

The ministry said this in a comment seen by Ukrinform.

"Amid Russia's ongoing illegal occupation of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, holding such 'celebrations' looks especially hypocritical. Of particular concern is the use of the IAEA Director General's visit to the Russian Federation in the context of this event — Russia has effectively exploited the Agency's leadership for propaganda purposes," the statement said.

The ministry stressed that Ukraine views the IAEA solely as a tool to prevent nuclear risks and expects the Agency to strictly adhere to the principles of objectivity, impartiality, and independence.

At the same time, Russia's state corporation Rosatom, which organized the "celebrations," is an integral part of Russia's military-industrial complex and a key instrument in the occupation of Ukrainian nuclear facilities, particularly the Zaporizhzhia NPP, the statement said.

The ministry reiterated that the occupiers' unlawful interference in the operation of the seized plant poses a direct threat to nuclear safety both in Ukraine and beyond. This violates not only the IAEA's basic principles but also fundamental norms of international humanitarian law.

"Ukraine highly values the IAEA's technical presence at Ukrainian sites, including Zaporizhzhia NPP, and will continue cooperation with the Agency within its mandate. At the same time, we consider any attempts to legitimize Russia's occupation of Ukrainian facilities through contacts between international institutions and Russian structures unacceptable," the ministry said.

It called on international partners to strengthen their collective response to Rosatom's actions by isolating it from international nuclear energy platforms and imposing comprehensive sanctions.

"The only path to reducing risks is the full return of the Zaporizhzhia NPP to Ukraine's legitimate control, the release of all unlawfully detained persons, and a complete halt to Rosatom's involvement in the aggression against Ukraine," the ministry said.

IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi said that on Thursday, September 25, he met in Moscow with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin to discuss nuclear energy and nuclear safety challenges. Grossi's visit to Russia was tied to the World Atomic Week taking place in Moscow.

On September 26, the IAEA observer team recorded the downing and explosion of a Russian drone just 800 meters from the perimeter of the South Ukraine NPP.

Photo: x.com/rafaelmgrossi