German Galushchenko: Rotation of IAEA experts at ZNPP should be in accordance with international law and only with Ukraine’s consent

The rotation of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) expert mission at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant cannot be carried out without the consent of the Ukrainian authorities and in violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. This is contrary to international law and the national legislation of Ukraine. This is stated in an official letter from the Minister of Energy of Ukraine German Galushchenko to IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi.

The letter notes that russia deliberately created artificial obstacles to the proper rotation of IAEA experts and kept international experts at the ZNPP site for more than 80 days under unprecedented physiological pressure in a high-risk military zone.

“Ukraine reiterates its firm position that any rotation of IAEA experts to ZNPP should take place in full compliance with international law and exclusively via routes agreed with the Ukrainian authorities, through territories under the full control of Ukraine,” the letter reads.

According to German Galushchenko, due to the rotation not agreed with Ukraine, there is no reliable information about who is currently present at ZNPP from the Agency, and this situation is absolutely unacceptable.

German Galushchenko called on the Agency’s management to immediately take measures to remedy this situation and ensure that the future activities of the IAEA comply with international law, UN General Assembly resolutions and the fundamental principles of the Agency’s mandate.