Russia Prepares Final Bushehr Plant Evacuation

Russia is preparing the final stage of evacuating its staff from the Bushehr nuclear power plant in Iran. More than 200 personnel are expected to leave next week, according to Alexey Likhachev, head of the state nuclear corporation Rosatom.

Evacuation Details and Coordination

Speaking at a media briefing in St. Petersburg on Thursday, Likhachev emphasized the evacuation as a top priority for Rosatom. He stated, “Our main task now is to prepare the final wave of evacuation. This will involve more than 200 people. We expect it to take place next week.”

Likhachev refrained from disclosing specific timings or routes for security reasons. He confirmed that the operation is being coordinated with Russia’s defence and foreign ministries, and that President Vladimir Putin is receiving regular updates.

President Putin Fully Briefed

“He is aware in detail — of the numbers, the routes, the timing — of our achievements in this area and of our plans,” Likhachev said regarding President Putin’s involvement. The President is kept informed of all developments related to the evacuation.

Plant Operations and Remaining Personnel

Unit 1 of the Bushehr plant remains operational, with a small contingent of Russian personnel still stationed at the site. Rosatom intends to maintain the plant’s operational capability and provide assistance to Iranian partners.

Likhachev explained that this continued support will be provided by volunteers, a “very limited number of people.” Maintaining both the construction site and residential areas is crucial during this period.

Request for Restraint

Russia will request that all parties, including Israel and the United States, exercise restraint during the evacuation process. “Naturally, the movement routes will be communicated to the competent authorities of both Israel and the US through all channels,” Likhachev stated.

He added, “We will request maximum adherence to the ceasefire regime during the movement of the convoys.”

Timeline Dependent on Regional Situation

Likhachev did not provide a precise timeline for the completion of the evacuation. He acknowledged that the operation’s progress is heavily influenced by the evolving military-political situation in the region.

“A great deal depends on the specific military-political situation in the region. Any events could either delay or accelerate this evacuation. But I repeat, we are not living by days now — we are living by hours in this area,” he concluded.