The International Atomic Energy Agency called on Russia to immediately return the Zaporizhia NPP to Ukrainian control. The 67th IAEA General Conference participants approved the relevant resolution, the Ministry of Energy of Ukraine reported.
“Canada, Finland and Costa Rica proposed the resolution. Among other things, it calls on the Russian Federation to immediately withdraw all military and other unauthorized personnel from the ZNPP and return the plant to the full control of the competent authorities of Ukraine in accordance with the current license issued by the State Nuclear Regulatory Inspectorate of Ukraine,” the ministry explained.
The IAEA expressed concern that Russia had not heeded previous calls from the Governing Council. It is about the demand to immediately stop all actions against and at nuclear facilities in Ukraine, as well as withdraw its military and other personnel from the ZNPP.
“[The General Conference emphasized] the importance of nuclear and physical security during the peaceful use of nuclear installations and materials under any circumstances, including during armed conflict,” the IAEA said in a statement.
On September 28, Ukraine became a member of the IAEA Board of Governors for 2023–2025. “Ukraine remains a reliable partner in the nuclear energy sector and we will make every effort to reinforce the IAEA’s important role and to strengthen global nuclear safety and security,” President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
Cover: D. Candano Laris/IAEA/Reuters
