Ukraine and the EU continue to coordinate efforts to de-occupy ZNPP

Deputy Minister of Energy of Ukraine Roman Andarak took part in the 12th round of consultations between Ukraine and the European Union on the consequences of the temporary occupation of certain territories of Ukraine, including the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol. During the event, the Deputy Minister confirmed the firmness of Ukraine's position on the need to return Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant under Ukrainian control and emphasized that the occupation of Europe's largest nuclear facility poses a threat to nuclear and radiation safety in the entire region.

"The forcible seizure of ZNPP, threats to the lives of personnel and declarations of intent to restart certain units grossly violate all norms of international law, including the UN Charter and international treaties on the peaceful use of nuclear energy. Also, the occupation of ZNPP directly contradicts the IAEA's “seven indispensable pillars of nuclear safety and security in armed conflict,” Roman Andarak said.

The Deputy Minister presented several proposals for the development of new international instruments to protect civilian nuclear infrastructure during armed conflicts, including the prohibition of military presence at and near nuclear facilities, obligations to maintain external power supply and prohibition of forced labor or pressure on personnel.

Roman Andarak also called on the partners to establish an international mechanism to protect ZNPP under the auspices of the UN or the IAEA to ensure the demilitarization of the nuclear power plant, provide access to all its facilities for IAEA experts and facilitate the return of the plant under Ukraine's sovereign control.

The EU side reaffirmed its non-recognition of the temporary occupation of Ukrainian territories, including ZNPP, and supported the need for further joint work to bring russia to legal responsibility for its military aggression and compensation for the damage caused.