Russian President Vladimir Putin met with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief Rafael Grossi on March 6 amid tensions over Ukraine's Zaporizhzhya nuclear plant, which has been occupied by Russian forces. The IAEA has observers stationed at the facility. Russian state media said the meeting took place at Putin’s residence in Sochi and that Aleksei Likhachev, the head of the Russian state nuclear corporation, also participated. Grossi called for "maximum military restraint" on February 23 after a string of powerful explosions occurred near the nuclear plant that week. “The situation continues to be very fragile,” Grossi told reporters on March 4 as he announced his trip to meet Putin.
Putin Holds Meeting With Atomic Watchdog Chief In Sochi Amid Renewed Shelling Near Occupied Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Plant
Russian President Vladimir Putin (right) greets International Atomic Energy Agency chief Rafael Grossi prior to their talks in Sochi on March 6.