Ukraine's energy minister urges IAEA to suspend Russia amid attacks on Ukrainian power grid
Photo: Ukrainian Minister of Energy Denys Shmyhal (Telegram)
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), in the face of repeated Russian strikes on Ukraine’s energy system, must raise the issue of fully isolating Russia and suspending its membership in the organization, stated Ukraine’s Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal.
On January 23, Shmyhal, together with IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi, heard reports from the heads of the Agency’s missions at Ukrainian nuclear power plants.
According to the minister, Russia is not just constantly attacking Ukraine’s energy system, including key substations critical to the safety of nuclear facilities. Russia is launching drones and missiles over nuclear sites — the Kremlin is deliberately engaging in nuclear terrorism.
In light of these actions, the IAEA must use its authority to ensure nuclear safety and enforce the full isolation of Russia.
"The Agency must raise the issue of Russia’s full international isolation and the suspension of its rights as a member state, whose actions threaten global catastrophe and contradict the very purpose of the IAEA," Shmyhal said.
The minister also requested that the IAEA inform the UN Security Council and General Assembly about Russia’s numerous violations of nuclear and radiation safety standards. He urged the Agency to initiate appropriate international sanctions against Russia.
Photo: Shmyhal, together with IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi, heard reports from the heads of the Agency’s missions
Photo: Shmyhal, together with IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi, heard reports from the heads of the Agency’s missions
Photo: Shmyhal, together with IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi, heard reports from the heads of the Agency’s missions
Ukraine has sufficient intelligence indicating that Russia is preparing further strikes against the country’s energy infrastructure, including facilities and networks serving nuclear power plants.
Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence has also warned that Russia is considering attacks on nuclear plant substations. The Kremlin is hoping that nuclear terrorism will force Ukraine to accept demands for capitulation.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that Ukrainian intelligence has information about Russia preparing new strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, including potential attacks on nuclear power plants.
