A long-delayed rotation of International Atomic Energy Agency experts was carried out at Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station on Thursday (2 March), ending an impasse that had complicated the agency’s efforts to support nuclear safety and security during the military conflict in the country.

The new team of IAEA staff arrived at Europe’s largest nuclear power station, which is under the control of Russian forces, after crossing the frontline, allowing the three experts who had been at the site, in southeast Ukraine, since early January to finally begin their journey back to IAEA headquarters, a month later than initially planned.

IAEA director-general Rafael Grossi said the successful rotation was of major importance for the future of the agency’s support and assistance mission to Zaporizhzhia, which has been conducting vital nuclear safety and security activities since it was established six months ago.