Mr. Chair,
Estonia fully aligns itself with the statement of the European Union, delivered by the distinguished representative of Cyprus. I would like to make some additional remarks in my national capacity.
Chair,
The unprecedented escalation of Russian missile and drone strikes in 2026 has sharply intensified the nuclear safety risks threatening Ukraine, its people, and the wider European region. Russia’s massive and coordinated barrage of missiles and drones keep targeting critical Ukrainian energy infrastructure, disrupting electrical substations that are essential to the safe operation of nuclear facilities and that support Ukraine’s active nuclear power plants.
During the reporting period, military activities continued to be observed and reported in close proximity to all of Ukraine’s NPPs. There were continued reports of military activities affecting the stability and reliability of off-site power supply at Ukraine’s NPPs, with a potential adverse impact on their safe operation. These activities highlight the constant threats to nuclear safety and security in Ukraine. In addition, the Agency assesses that some of the Seven Indispensable Pillars continued to be compromised either fully or partially during the reporting period.
Chair,
Russia’s attacks on Ukraine’s electrical substations and grid infrastructure go beyond ordinary wartime strategy – they directly undermine the fundamental prerequisites of nuclear safety. Russia’s deliberate targeting of infrastructure that supports nuclear operations, whether through direct strikes on substations, threats to essential grid connections, or military activity near sensitive sites, constitutes a violation of established norms of international humanitarian law.
Attacking or endangering nuclear and related civilian infrastructure in wartime is prohibited. Russia’s actions represent a reckless disregard for human life and environmental security, contradicting its obligations as a nuclear power and as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council. By engaging in that, Russia is not only threatening Ukraine, but eroding trust in international norms designed to prevent exactly this kind of catastrophe. The upcoming 40th anniversary of the tragic Chornobyl disaster should remind us all of the responsibility to prevent nuclear accidents and to uphold the highest level of nuclear safety and security. In the same context, we urge Russia once again to release all illegally detained employees of the Zaporizhzhia NPP without delay.
Chair,
We commend the Director General and the Agency staff for their tireless work in assisting Ukraine. The continued presence of IAEA experts at Ukrainian nuclear facilities and monitoring of electrical substations, as requested by Ukraine, are indispensable for nuclear safety.
Today we have a resolution on nuclear safety, security and safeguards in Ukraine before us. We call on all Board members to send a clear and upright message and to vote in favour of this resolution.
Thank you, Chair.