Chair,
Estonia fully aligns itself with the statement of the European Union, delivered by the distinguished representative of Ireland. I would like to make some additional remarks in my national capacity.
Let me begin by reminding us all that the very reason why we are discussing this agenda item is Russia’s illegal war of aggression against Ukraine, which remains the primary cause of all nuclear safety and security risks in Ukraine.
Chair,
During the reporting period, military activities continued to be observed and reported in close proximity to all of Ukraine’s NPPs and the Chornobyl site. Moreover, there were continued reports of military activities affecting the stability and reliability of off-site power at Ukraine’s NPPs, with a potential adverse impact on the safe operation of power plants. These activities continue to highlight the persistent threats to nuclear safety and security.
We are deeply concerned by the assessment in the report that some of the seven pillars for ensuring nuclear safety and security during an armed conflict continued to be compromised during the reporting period, either fully or partially, at all five nuclear sites. The five principles to avoid a nuclear accident were also continuously undermined by ongoing military activities resulting in damage to power lines supplying electricity to Ukraine’s ZNPP on both sides of the frontline, with the Agency continuing to have limited ability to fully assess whether all five principles were being observed at all times during the reporting period. We call again on Russia to grant the IAEA unrestricted and timely access to all requested locations, information and personnel at the ZNPP.
Chair,
We remind Russia that one of the seven pillars requires that operating staff must be able to fulfil their safety and security duties free from undue pressure. In this regard, we remain deeply concerned by the continued unlawful detention by Russia of Ukrainian ZNPP personnel. We call on Russia to immediately release detained staff and to fully respect the rights, safety and professional independence of all Ukrainian nuclear personnel.
We urge Russia to comply with all UN General Assembly, IAEA General Conference and Board of Governors’ resolutions on Ukraine. All States must uphold their obligations under international law and the IAEA Statute.
Chair,
Estonia reaffirms its unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders. We also reaffirm our full support for the Agency’s professional, impartial and fact-based efforts to help uphold nuclear safety, nuclear security and safeguards in Ukraine under the extremely challenging circumstances caused by Russia’s war of aggression.
Thank you, Chair.