Unnecessary resolution: US opposes protecting Ukraine’s energy sector from Russian strikes
Photo: energy facility damaged by Russian attacks (Getty Images)
The IAEA Board of Governors adopted a resolution recognizing the direct impact on nuclear safety and security caused by Russia’s attacks on Ukraine’s energy sector. However, the United States opposed it, according to a statement from Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha and Reuters.
"Targeting electrical substations that feed nuclear sites is not 'just' another strike. It is a deliberate attempt to create blackout conditions and raise the risk of an incident," the minister emphasized.
He thanked the Board members for understanding these dangers and supporting IAEA monitoring and expert missions.
"This is nuclear terrorism. There can be no 'business as usual' with Russia in the atomic energy sphere as long as it continues creating unacceptable risks — through the occupation of the Zaporizhzhia NPP and constant strikes against the power grid that keeps nuclear safety systems alive," Sybiha’s statement reads.
Additionally, the Ukrainian Foreign Minister reminded of Kyiv’s previous warnings about Russia planning attacks on substations that are critical for the external power supply networks of Ukrainian nuclear power plants.
US opposed the resolution
The United States did not support the IAEA resolution for the first time. Ahead of the vote, they stated that while they support the work of the IAEA, they do not back the consideration of an "unnecessary resolution that does not help achieve peace between Ukraine and Russia."
In addition to the US, Russia, China, and Niger also voted against the resolution. In total, there were four votes against, 20 in favor, and 10 abstentions.
Nuclear threat
Russian strikes on Ukraine’s energy system have created serious new risks for the safety of operating nuclear power plants. Due to the risk of unstable power supply, the IAEA urgently convened an extraordinary meeting in Vienna.
Recently, the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense reported that Russia was considering strikes on strategic energy system facilities — substations that support the operation of Ukrainian nuclear power plants.
The aggressor country’s goal is to disconnect nuclear units from the unified power grid, leaving civilians without electricity and heat, in order to force Ukraine to accept capitulation terms to end the war.
