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Ukraine urges global action on nuclear safety amid Russian occupation

Andriy Yermak, chief of staff to President Zelenskyy, stressed the dangers of Russia's control of the plant and its ongoing attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy speaks during a media conference at NATO headquarters in Brussels. (AP photo)

At an international summit on nuclear safety held in France, Ukraine called for stronger measures to address nuclear risks posed by Russia’s occupation of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station, the largest in Europe. Andriy Yermak, chief of staff to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, emphasised the dangers of Russia’s control over the plant and its repeated attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.

Yermak highlighted that the Zaporizhzhia plant, now a military base under Russian control, is no longer generating power and has become a symbol of “large-scale militarization of nuclear power.” He condemned the occupation as a violation of international law and nuclear safety norms, stressing the constant threats faced by the plant’s personnel.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, who hosted the meeting, reiterated the importance of addressing security risks at the plant and supporting the efforts of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in monitoring the situation. France also expressed commitment to ensuring the safe reopening of the plant once peace is restored, which will be crucial for Ukraine’s reconstruction.

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The meeting, attended by representatives from 70 countries and international organisations, is one of several follow-ups to President Zelenskyy’s peace plan proposed in 2022. Both Ukraine and Russia have repeatedly blamed each other for attacks on the Zaporizhzhia station, with the IAEA calling for restraint from both sides.

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Ukraine aims to finalize discussions on Zelenskyy’s peace plan by the end of October, in hopes of drafting a comprehensive implementation strategy. Although Zelenskyy has called for a second summit on the plan, Russia has refused to participate in any such discussions.

(With inputs from Reuters)

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