Ukraine’s MFA Condemns Propaganda-Driven Meeting Between Grossi and Putin in Moscow Celebrating Russia’s 80 Years of Nuclear Industry
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine issued an official statement responding to recent remarks and meetings involving IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi with Vladimir Putin in Moscow.
The meeting took place amid Russia’s celebrations marking 80 years of its nuclear industry development, a provocative event that Kyiv describes as a tool for propaganda and manipulation.Ukraine underscores that this visit was exploited by Russia to its advantage, using the opportunity to disguise the ongoing illegal occupation of Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) — Europe’s largest nuclear station — and to attempt to whitewash its crimes in nuclear safety and international law violations.
Ukrainian officials emphasize that such events serve to distort facts and promote false legitimacy for Russia’s actions.Kyiv insists that IAEA must maintain independence, objectivity, and neutrality, and calls on international organizations and partners not to allow the agency’s platform to be used for propagandist purposes.
The Ukrainian government also highlights concerns over Rosatom, which organized the celebrations; as a key actor in Russia’s military-industrial complex and occupation apparatus, it poses significant risks to nuclear security in Ukraine and beyond.Additionally, new reports by human rights groups reveal systemic torture, persecution, and illegal detention of Ukrainian civilians and nuclear plant employees under Russian control, adding urgency to the situation.
Ukraine demands Russia immediately cease interfering in ZNPP’s operations, release unlawfully detained staff, and eliminate pressure on personnel, adhering to IAEA principles.Kyiv calls for increased international sanctions against Rosatom and its affiliates, including halting cooperation, restricting dual-use technology exports, and blocking procurement that supports Russia’s military efforts.
The ultimate goal, according to Ukraine, is to reinstate full Ukrainian control over ZNPP, ensure the release of all unlawfully detained persons, and stop Russia’s aggression.The recent IAEA General Conference adopted a resolution demanding the immediate de-occupation of ZNPP, reflecting broader international consensus on nuclear safety and sovereignty.
Ukraine hopes that these measures will help restore security and uphold global non-proliferation standards amid ongoing conflict.