International Community Urgently Calls for De-Occupation of Zaporizhzhia NPP: A Critical Step in Ukraine’s Nuclear Security
At the 69th General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), representatives from over sixty countries worldwide gathered to adopt a significant resolution demanding the immediate de-occupation and demilitarization of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (NPP).
This decision stems from increasing global concern over the safety of the site, which has remained under Russian occupation for more than two years.
The resolution titled “Nuclear safety, physical nuclear safety, and guarantees in Ukraine,” endorsed by 62 member states, underscores the urgent need to restore full Ukrainian control over Zaporizhzhia and eliminate any military activities that could lead to catastrophic consequences.
The Ukrainian Ministry of Energy emphasizes that this document signals a unified international stand against Russia’s actions that threaten regional nuclear security.
Despite attempts by occupying forces to sabotage the work of the IAEA mission at the plant, the agency’s presence continues uninterrupted, ensuring that all incidents and risks are documented and scrutinized.
The resolution also draws attention to recent Russian attacks on the Chernobyl exclusion zone and damage to the New Safe Containment, which pose serious risks to international nuclear safety.
Ukraine calls for intensified international pressure on Russia to ensure the full and unconditional implementation of all IAEA resolutions and to return control of Zaporizhzhia NPP to Ukraine.
The IAEA also urges to exercise military restraint around nuclear facilities, especially after a recent drone attack, highlighting the critical importance of protecting this strategic site, occupied by Russia since March 4, 2022.
Over the past year, IAEA teams working on-site have reported multiple shelling incidents close to the plant, including several projectiles hitting areas outside the station, without causing severe accidents.
Ukraine remains committed to strengthening international pressure and taking all necessary measures to regain control of Zaporizhzhia and enhance nuclear safety in the region.