Russia Attempts to Seize Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant

A long list of crimes and gross violations of international law committed by Russia was extended with an illegal attempt to take the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant under its operational control.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine stated, “We consider the respective decree of the Russian president as null and void. We strongly condemn this crime that further increases risks and threats in the sphere of nuclear security caused by the Russian occupation of the ZNPP. We call on all states to adhere to the consistent position on insuring the inevitability of political, economic, and legal consequences for the terrorist state for all its crimes and illegal actions.”

The diplomats suggested that the European Union, G7 states, and other partners should immediately consider the imposition of sanctions on the Russian state corporation Rosatom, affiliated companies and institutions, as well as other key players of the Russian nuclear energy sphere.

“We call on the member states of the International Atomic Energy Agency to restrict cooperation in the framework of any projects with Russia that resorts to undisguised nuclear blackmail of the entire world. We expect a clear position and proactive role in these issues of the IAEA Director General,” the Ministry notes.

The MFA warned Russian citizens who will follow illegal orders on the seizure of objects of the civil nuclear infrastructure of Ukraine about the criminal liability for the illegal actions and the inevitability of punishment.

The Ministry reiterated the urgent need for every effort of all members of the international community aimed at ensuring the de-occupation of the Zaporizhzhia NPP and its return under the control of Ukraine as the only possible way to eliminate current threats in the sphere of nuclear security.

Natalia Tolub