During a working visit to Paris, Minister of Energy of Ukraine German Galushchenko together with Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal met with Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Rafael Grossi.

The parties discussed ensuring nuclear and radiation safety of Ukrainian nuclear power plants in the context of military aggression of the russian federation and paid special attention to the situation at the russian-occupied Zaporizhzhya NPP.

German Galushchenko stressed that recently russia has strengthened its military presence at the plant, in particular, deployed Grad multiple rocket launchers on the territory of ZNPP. New shelling from the territory of the nuclear facility has also been recorded.

The Minister stressed that such actions of the russians violate the seven fundamental pillars of nuclear safety and pose a threat to the population not only of Ukraine but also of the whole Europe. He emphasized the need for immediate de-occupation and demilitarization of ZNPP and supported the initiative to expand the IAEA mission at the occupied Ukrainian plant.

German Galushchenko drew special attention to unacceptability of actions of russian representatives towards ZNPP personnel. In particular, he emphasized the facts of beating and kidnapping of station employees for unwillingness to sign contracts with russians. The Minister handed over to the IAEA Director General the lists of missing ZNPP employees and asked for assistance in their search and return home.

Rafael Grossi confirmed that situation at ZNPP remains unstable and potentially dangerous. At the same time, he emphasized the steps towards implementation of the IAEA proposal on establishment of a nuclear safety zone around the facility.

Also, the IAEA Director General familiarized the Ukrainian side with the results of assessment of nuclear and radiation safety of Khmelnytskyi NPP, Rivne NPP and South Ukraine NPP conducted by IAEA experts in late November and early December. In the near future, the Agency will consider requests submitted by representatives of the respective NPPs to provide specific assistance and enhance protection of nuclear facilities of Ukraine in the conditions of hostilities.