The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine has expressed a strong protest regarding the dangerous escalation by Russia near the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. This follows the observation by experts from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) of shelling and explosions in close proximity to the plant, specifically within 1.25 kilometers of its perimeter.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Increased Danger to Nuclear Safety in Europe
According to the official position of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Russian actions are viewed as a deliberate provocation that demonstrates a disregard for international law, the IAEA Statute, and key principles of nuclear safety. The Ukrainian agency emphasizes that the intentional creation of risks around the largest nuclear power plant in Europe could lead to a disaster of continental scale. Of particular concern is the fact that the occupied facility has been without external power supply for almost two weeks.
“These actions are a conscious provocation by Russia, which once again shows complete contempt for international law, the IAEA Statute, and the seven indispensable pillars of nuclear safety. The deliberate creation of risks around the largest nuclear power plant in Europe threatens a nuclear catastrophe of continental scale,” the ministry states.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stresses that the shelling is aimed at preventing repair work and the restoration of power lines necessary for the stable energy supply of the plant. The agency views this as part of a deliberate strategy by Russia that increases nuclear risks for Ukraine and Europe.
Calls to Action and Ukraine’s Position
Ukraine, for its part, continues to cooperate with the IAEA and international partners to reduce risks and promptly restore the necessary parameters of nuclear and radiation safety at the Zaporizhzhia NPP. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also appeals to the international community to take additional collective political and sanctions measures to stop “Russian nuclear blackmail” and avert a disaster whose consequences could extend beyond Ukraine.
Additionally, the diplomatic agency emphasized the need for the swift restoration of external power supply to the Zaporizhzhia NPP, full demilitarization of the plant, and its transfer under Ukraine’s control.
Recently, the IAEA reported gunfire sounds near the plant. According to Energoatom, on September 23, the Zaporizhzhia NPP experienced its tenth blackout: the last power line supplying electricity from the Ukrainian energy system was disconnected. IAEA representatives confirmed that emergency diesel generators began supplying power to the plant.
Russia, for its part, is attempting to explain the power supply interruption as allegedly due to fire actions by the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Meanwhile, Ukraine has stated its readiness to repair the backup 330 kV power line, which has been disconnected since May, but the current military situation does not allow for this.
President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized the critical situation at the Zaporizhzhia NPP, occupied by Russia, which has been left without power supply due to Russian shelling.