Madam Chair,

Distinguished Governors,

Ukraine aligns itself with the statement delivered by Poland on behalf of the European Union. In my national capacity I would like to add the following remarks.

 

Ukraine commends the IAEA’s continued efforts to reinforce nuclear safety standards, particularly in light of the ongoing threats to nuclear facilities in our country. The Nuclear Safety Review 2025 outlines critical developments, yet it must also address the serious challenges arising from the illegal occupation of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant by Russian forces.

The ZNPP, Europe’s largest nuclear power plant, has been under military occupation for three years, in direct violation of international nuclear safety principles. The presence of armed personnel, the disruption of the plant’s operational management, and the forced replacement of qualified Ukrainian staff with unauthorized personnel continue to pose a significant nuclear risk. The IAEA’s seven indispensable pillars for ensuring nuclear safety and security in armed conflicts have been systematically undermined, exposing the region and the world to risk of a serious nuclear incident.

Moreover, recent attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure have significantly impaired the stability of off-site power supply to nuclear facilities. The findings of the IAEA Expert Mission to electrical substations critical to nuclear safety highlight that multiple substations essential for reliable power supply to nuclear power plants have suffered been severely damaged by missile and drone attacks. This degradation of the infrastructure threatens the uninterrupted external power supply required for nuclear safety. It also increases the risk of transients that could jeopardize the stable operation of nuclear reactors.

Madam Chair,

Ukraine remains committed to upholding the highest standards of nuclear safety despite the ongoing military aggression against our country, and particularly its energy infrastructure. Our relevant authorities, in close cooperation with the IAEA, continue to implement measures to enhance nuclear safety and emergency preparedness at all our nuclear facilities. However, a long-term solution must be found to ensure the safe operation of the plant and the return of full control over it to Ukraine.

We value the IAEA’s technical support, including expert missions, provision of equipment and independent assessments of nuclear safety conditions at Ukrainian sites. In particular, we’ll welcome the continued presence of IAEA experts at the ZNPP, provided it fully complies with Ukrainian legislation and UN resolutions, as their work provides essential monitoring and reporting to the international community.

We also support the Agency’s continued focus on enhancing the resilience of nuclear infrastructure, including the development of improved emergency preparedness and response measures. The critical condition of Ukraine’s energy grid, as highlighted by the IAEA’s recent assessment of substations, underscores the need for international assistance to ensure reliable power supply to nuclear facilities. Ukraine stands ready to share its experience in managing nuclear power plants during wartime and to contribute to international efforts to strengthen nuclear safety in extreme conditions.

In conclusion, I reaffirm Ukraine’s unwavering commitment to nuclear safety and call on all Member States to take decisive action to prevent further violations of fundamental principles of nuclear safety.

 

Thank you, Madam Chair.