New York, 15 April 2024
Statement on behalf of the European Union and Member States by H.E. Ambassador Stavros Lambrinidis, Head of the Delegation of the European Union to the United Nations, at the UN Security Council briefing on “Threats to International peace and security: Nuclear security and safety in Ukraine”
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President,
I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union and its Member States.
The following countries align themselves with this statement: North Macedonia*, Montenegro*, Albania*, Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova, Bosnia and Herzegovina* and Georgia, Iceland, Norway, Andorra, Monaco and San Marino.
President,
Allow me to express our appreciation to IAEA Director General Grossi for his briefing and to convey the EU’s gratitude for the IAEA’s impressive work in Ukraine, carried out under the very difficult circumstances of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.
Russia cannot divert attention from its illegal invasion of an independent country, its attempt to illegally annex Ukraine’s regions, or its attempts to normalise its illegal seizure of Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP). Russia is fully responsible for the nuclear safety and security risks it is causing.
President,
The EU reiterates its utmost concern about nuclear safety and security in Ukraine. Europe’s largest nuclear power plant is caught on the frontline. For the first time, a country – a permanent Member of this Council – has illegally seized a nuclear power plant of one of its neighbours. The IAEA Director General has reported on numerous issues concerning the plant. These risks are a direct consequence of Russia’s war of aggression and its illegal seizure of Ukraine’s ZNPP, in flagrant violation of the UN Charter.
The latest alarming developments, as reported by the IAEA, are highly disturbing and add to our concern. The ZNPP was recently hit by drones, including at reactor building 6. This is very serious as for the first time since November 2022, the facility was directly targeted in a military action.
It once again underscores that Russia’s illegal seizure of the plant significantly increases risks to nuclear safety and security, potentially leading to accidents with severe consequences for Ukraine, and beyond. Attacks from or against the ZNPP are irresponsible and are not acceptable.
Furthermore, the IAEA has repeatedly reported the presence of Russian troops and military vehicles at the ZNPP. According to the second of the five principles, the ZNPP should not be used as storage or a base for heavy weapons or military personnel.
Significantly, in the past weeks, Russia has also intensified its attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. Such air strikes against critical civilian infrastructure are unacceptable.
The EU reiterates its strong support for the work of the IAEA and its Director General under these unprecedented circumstances. The five principles for avoiding a nuclear accident at the ZNPP and the seven pillars for ensuring nuclear safety and security in armed conflict must be respected at all times. To monitor their observance, the IAEA experts must be given timely access to all areas at the ZNPP. It is of paramount importance that the conditions at the ZNPP allow for a continued and secure presence of the IAEA experts.
President,
Russia’s attempts to illegally take ownership of Ukraine’s ZNPP have no validity under international law. Russia must immediately, unconditionally, and completely withdraw all its forces and military equipment from the ZNPP and the whole territory of Ukraine. Returning the ZNPP to the full control of the competent and legitimate Ukrainian authorities is the only lasting solution to bring to an end the current serious threats to nuclear safety and security at the facility.
The EU underlines its unwavering support to Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders.
The EU stands with Ukraine and in support for the UN Charter for as long as it takes.
Thank you, Chair.
* North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.
Source: Press and information team of the Delegation to the UN in New York