The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry responded to Russia's attempts to legitimize control over the Zaporizhzhya NPP

This was reported in a press release from the ministry, Ukrinform reports.

The ministry emphasized that Russia's unlawful interference in the functioning of the Zaporizhzhya NPP, including centralized management and actions that threaten the technical stability of the facility, constitutes a serious violation of international law and fundamental principles of nuclear safety. At the same time, the Kremlin is deliberately restraining the activities of international experts and putting pressure on the IAEA, seeking to block the dissemination of objective information among the world community.

“Any attempts by Russia to impose its rules for managing the plant, including through the actions of the state corporation Rosatom, are illegal and pose a threat to regional security. We emphasize once again that no decision regarding the launch of reactors at the Zaporizhzhya NPP can be made without the participation of legitimate Ukrainian regulatory and operating bodies – the State Nuclear Regulatory Authority and NNEGC Energoatom. Neither the occupation administrations, nor external structures or representatives of the aggressor state have the right to interfere in processes related to ensuring the safety of the Ukrainian nuclear power plant,” the statement says.

The ministry stressed that the issue of nuclear safety at the Zaporizhzhya NPP cannot be considered separately from the problem of illegal management of the plant. Any attempts by Russia to present its presence as “normal management” are deliberate propaganda aimed at concealing the real threat posed by the occupation of the Zaporizhzhya NPP.

The Ministry calls on international partners to step up joint efforts to stop Russian nuclear blackmail and demands the introduction of additional sanctions against Rosatom.

“We are confident that the complete cessation of any cooperation with this organization and the strict internationalization of the nuclear industry of the aggressor state are the correct and timely response to Russia’s actions at the Zaporizhzhya NPP,” the ministry said.

It is emphasized that the IAEA expects a clear position regarding Russia's illegal presence at the occupied Zaporizhzhya NPP. The diplomats noted that the agency “must use all available mechanisms to increase pressure on Russia and withdraw the military contingent and representatives of the occupying state from the Ukrainian plant.”

“Returning the Zaporizhzhya NPP to full control of Ukraine is the only way to restore nuclear safety and stability. Only Ukrainian regulatory bodies and operators are capable of ensuring the previous level of nuclear safety at the plant in accordance with international standards and IAEA safeguards,” the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry said.

It is emphasized that ZNPP was, is and will be Ukrainian. Russia must immediately withdraw its troops from the territory of the station, stop nuclear blackmail and attempts to manipulate global security issues.

The ministry said Ukraine would continue to act decisively to restore the rule of law and protect the security of the entire region.

IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi has previously claimed that Russia is running the occupied Ukrainian Zaporizhzhya NPP “professionally” and that restarting the plant could be possible within months of a potential ceasefire agreement.

Photo: Konstantin Liberov