Board of Governors International Atomic Energy Agency - EU Statement on Agenda item 7: Nuclear safety, security and safeguards in Ukraine

Chair, 
I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union. The following countries align themselves with this statement: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway, Republic of Moldova, San Marino and Ukraine.

More than four years ago, Russia launched its illegal war of aggression against Ukraine, in clear violation of the UN Charter. Russia’s continued military attacks gravely endanger nuclear and radiation safety, security and safeguards in Ukraine and pose serious risks for the wider region.
Chair,
We thank the Director General for his latest report and for the Agency’s continued engagement and presence on the ground under extremely challenging circumstances. We are deeply concerned by the findings contained in the report.   The nuclear safety and security situation in Ukraine remains highly fragile and precarious.

The intense military activity in the vicinity of all Ukraine’s NPPs reported by IAEA staff is unacceptable, especially its negative effects on the stability and reliability of the electrical power grid. We remain particularly concerned by the fragile situation at Zaporizhzhia NPP and the developments during the reporting period that suggest a further erosion of the defence-in-depth layers which should ensure nuclear safety and security at the site.

We notice with grave concern the intensification of total losses of off-site power events at Zaporizhzhia NPP, ten during the reporting period out of a total of 26 since the start of Russia’s invasion. Between 20th August and 7th September, Zaporizhzhia NPP relied on emergency diesel generators (EDGs), with fuel supply affected by the increased military activity in the region. Reliance on generators should be an exceptional circumstance and cannot be a long-term measure. There is an urgent need for Russia to end the attacks against the electricity grid and substations and thus allow repairs to be made to both lines. 
We welcome the seventh local ceasefire negotiated by Director General Grossi and commend the Ukrainian authorities for enabling the refuelling of the plant’s diesel tanks and thus the use of an increased number of generators. We also welcome the repairs by the Ukrainian workers of the 330 kV Ferosplavna-1 electric line, which is now operational, while the main 750 kV Dniprovska line still cannot be re-energized.

As the findings in the Report show the availability of data from the off-site radiation monitoring network has further deteriorated due to military activities, as additional off-site monitoring stations ceased transmitting information. This raises concerns about the ability to promptly detect and assess radiological conditions in the surrounding area and could adversely affect emergency responses.

We reiterate full support for the Director General’s Seven indispensable pillars for nuclear safety and security during an armed conflict, as well as for the Five principles established for the Zaporizhzhia NPP.

We are concerned by the assessment in the Report that some of the Seven pillars continued to be compromised during the reporting period, either fully or partially, at all five Ukrainian NPPs. Furthermore, we note that the Director General reports that the Agency continues to have only a limited ability to fully assess whether the Five principles for ensuring the safety of the Zaporizhzhia NPP are being upheld. We call again on Russia to grant the IAEA unrestricted and timely access to all requested locations, information and personnel at the Zaporizhzhia NPP.

We are also concerned by the recurring fire risks at Chornobyl site due to intensified military activities. These further compromise nuclear safety.

Chair,

We highly praise the professionalism, dedication and courage of the IAEA staff who continue to carry out their essential mission under exceptionally challenging circumstances, including their unprecedented presence at demining works. We urge abstention from any action which may create a risk for or attacks on plant personnel. It is of utmost importance that Agency personnel are never exposed to unnecessary risks. Their safety and security must remain paramount.

We remind Russia that one of the Seven pillars requires that operating staff must be able to fulfil their safety and security duties free from undue pressure. In this regard, we remain deeply concerned by the continued unlawful detention by Russia of Ukrainian Zaporizhzhia NPP personnel. Despite repeated calls by many Member States during the March and June Boards, no progress has been achieved. We call on Russia to immediately release detained staff and to fully respect the rights, safety and professional independence of all Ukrainian nuclear personnel. 
Chair,
We commend the Director General and the Agency for maintaining a continuous presence at Ukraine’s NPPs and for continuing missions to substations identified as critical for nuclear safety and security.

We remain steadfast in our support for the IAEA’s efforts to assist Ukraine in ensuring nuclear safety, security and safeguards.

We urge Russia to comply with all UN General Assembly, IAEA General Conference and Board of Governors’ resolutions on Ukraine. All States must uphold their obligations under international law and the IAEA Statute.

The EU reiterates its unwavering support for a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in Ukraine, in full compliance with the principles of the UN Charter and international law, and fully respecting Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders. Change of borders by force is unacceptable. Russia must immediately and unconditionally withdraw all military forces, equipment, and other unauthorised personnel from Ukraine’s nuclear facilities and the entire territory of Ukraine and hand over control of the Zaporizhzhia NPP to its rightful owner - Ukraine.

We request that the Director General continue to keep the Board regularly informed on nuclear safety and security developments in Ukraine, including on the Agency’s missions to substations.
Thank you, Chair.