Mr. Chair,

Ukraine aligns itself with the statement delivered by Cyprus on behalf of the EU and I will add a few remarks in my national capacity.

We thank the Director General for his report contained in document GOV/2026/33 and for his continued efforts to maintain the integrity of the safeguards system under exceptionally challenging circumstances.

We note with serious concern the findings contained in the Director General’s report regarding the Agency’s inability to discharge its safeguards responsibilities at most declared nuclear facilities in Iran. The report makes clear that, with the exception of the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant, the Agency has neither received the information nor obtained the access required to verify the status of declared nuclear material, facilities and associated activities.

Particularly alarming is the Agency’s assessment that it cannot verify the current size, composition or whereabouts of Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium, including those enriched up to 60 percent. The Agency’s loss of continuity of knowledge over previously declared nuclear material, combined with the prolonged absence of verification activities, creates a situation of serious proliferation concern.

Ukraine notes the Director General’s conclusion that the Agency’s inability to verify previously declared highly enriched and low enriched uranium is not only a matter of proliferation concern, but also a matter of compliance with Iran’s NPT Safeguards Agreement.

We further note that unresolved safeguards issues identified by the Agency remain outstanding and that Iran has not engaged with the Agency during the reporting period on matters previously identified by the Board of Governors. These issues must be addressed fully, transparently and without further delay.

At the same time, Ukraine reiterates its long-standing position that nuclear facilities devoted to peaceful purposes and safety related infrastructure must never become targets of military attacks. Such actions undermine nuclear safety, nuclear security and safeguards, increase regional and international tensions and create risks that extend far beyond national borders.

Mr. Chair,

Ukraine calls upon Iran to resume full and effective cooperation with the Agency, provide all information required under its NPT Safeguards Agreement, grant the necessary access for verification activities and address all outstanding safeguards issues identified by the Agency.

We also reiterate our full support for the Director General and the Secretariat in carrying out their independent, impartial and professional verification mandate.

Finally, Ukraine supports continued diplomatic efforts aimed at achieving a credible, verifiable and peaceful resolution of issues related to Iran’s nuclear programme in full respect of the international non-proliferation regime.

I thank you, Mr. Chair.