Ukraine Urges IAEA Leadership Not To Side With Russia On Zaporizhzhia NPP Issue

(MENAFN- UkrinForm) Ukraine is calling on the leadership of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) not to play into the hands of the aggressor state, Russia, regarding the occupation of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP), and not to help the perpetrator evade responsibility by hiding behind technocratic rhetoric.

This was stated in an exclusive comment to Ukrinform by Yurii Vitrenko, Ukraine's Permanent Representative to International Organizations in Vienna.

"Unfortunately, the IAEA leadership is once again siding with Russia. It is time to remind everyone that the so-called 'professional' management of the ZNPP by Rosatom and Rostekhnadzor during the three years of occupation of this Ukrainian nuclear facility has already led to several dangerous consequences," Vitrenko commented on the statement by IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi regarding the "professional" management of the ZNPP by the Russian occupiers.

The Ukrainian representative highlighted the decline in nuclear safety standards at the occupied the ZNPP due to the lack of qualified personnel and the absence of oversight by the Ukrainian operator. Many experienced specialists were forced to leave the plant, replaced by untrained Russian staff. The inability to ensure basic safety at the facility is evidenced by recent reports of damage to the diesel fuel storage tank at the ZNPP.

In addition, due to Russian military actions and shelling of critical infrastructure, frequent disconnections from the power grid occur, increasing the risk of a nuclear accident. As a result, the ZNPP has repeatedly experienced complete blackouts, relying on backup diesel generators.

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Vitrenko also emphasized the militarization of the Russian-occupied nuclear plant:

"The deployment of Russian troops, military equipment, and ammunition on the ZNPP premises has turned it into a military base, grossly violating nuclear safety principles and creating a risk of catastrophe."

At the same time, the Russian occupying administration exerts psychological and physical pressure on the plant's personnel. Numerous cases of intimidation, abductions, and torture of Ukrainian workers have been documented. Just recently, a Russian kangaroo court sentenced Serhii Potynha, who had been abducted in Enerhodar, to 18 years in prison on fabricated charges of "preparing a terrorist act."

Vitrenko also pointed out Russia's continued violations of international norms and obligations:

"The Russian FSB prevents the IAEA experts from conducting full inspections of the plant, making it impossible to objectively assess its technical condition and safety."

The Ukrainian representative also highlighted the environmental and radiological risks, warning that:

"Power outages affecting the reactor cooling systems, non-compliance with regulatory procedures, and the potential threat of an accident could have catastrophic consequences not only for Ukraine but for the entire region."

Vitrenko stressed that the occupation of the ZNPP by Russian forces constitutes an unprecedented act of nuclear terrorism.

"Any statements about 'professional' management of this facility by Russia are manipulations and an attempt to whitewash the aggressor, endangering the entire world," he emphasized.

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He added that the position of being "apolitical" amid Russia's blatant violations of international law is not only short-sighted but also outright dangerous.

"The IAEA must call things by their proper names and act in accordance with its obligations to the international community, rather than siding with the aggressor state. This sets a dangerous precedent where a criminal is helped to evade responsibility, hidden behind technocratic rhetoric," Vitrenko concluded.

Earlier, Ukrinform reported that IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi had stated that Russia was "professionally" managing the occupied ZNPP and that the plant could potentially be restarted within months if a ceasefire agreement were reached.

Photo: Kostiantyn Liberov

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