IAEA adopts resolution calling on Russia to return control of Zaporizhzhia NPP to Ukraine

The document, titled Nuclear Safety, Nuclear Security, and Safeguards in Ukraine, was supported by 62 member states. It urges Moscow to immediately de-occupy and demilitarize the Zaporizhzhia NPP and return it to the full control of Kyiv.

The resolution was initiated by Ukraine and its international partners and became yet another signal from the global community about the inadmissibility of Russia’s actions, which threaten nuclear safety across the entire continent.

The document contains a direct call for the immediate withdrawal of all unauthorized military and other personnel from the territory of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP).

Sovereign control and nuclear safety

The resolution reaffirms that the Zaporizhzhia NPP and all nuclear facilities in Ukraine must operate under the full sovereign control of the competent Ukrainian authorities.

The resolution also confirmed the mandate and continuous work of the IAEA mission at the ZNPP - despite Russia’s ongoing attempts to undermine its activities.

The Ministry of Energy noted that the presence of Agency experts means that every incident, every risk, and every attack will be recorded and brought to the international level.

At the same time, the resolution mentions Russian strikes on the Chornobyl zone and the damage to the New Safe Confinement, which poses risks to international nuclear safety.

The Ministry of Energy considers this resolution a step toward restoring nuclear safety. Ukraine insists on strengthening international pressure on Russia for the full and unconditional implementation of all IAEA resolutions and the return of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant to Ukraine’s control.

“We are grateful to every country that supported this important document. Sixty-two votes in favor is a clear stance of the civilized world: nuclear terrorism is unacceptable, and the Zaporizhzhia NPP, occupied by Russia, must be immediately returned under Ukraine’s control,” said Ukraine’s Minister of Energy, Svitlana Hrynchuk.

She added that Ukraine will continue to work with the IAEA and its partners to ensure the implementation of every point of the decision.

The Zaporizhzhia NPP consists of six VVER-1000 V-320 power units of Soviet design, using water cooling and water as a coolant. The reactors use uranium-235, and spent nuclear fuel is also stored on the plant’s premises.

On March 4, 2022, Russian troops seized the ZNPP along with the satellite city of Enerhodar. Since then, the facility has been under constant threat from hostilities and has repeatedly lost power supply due to shelling.

On September 17, an IAEA team of experts recorded shelling of the Zaporizhzhia NPP. Several shells exploded on the grounds in proximity to the plant.

The Agency noted that 6 out of 7 key pillars of nuclear safety at the plant have been compromised.

Russia is attempting to shift responsibility for nuclear safety violations onto Ukraine.