Statement on Nuclear Safety, Security and Safeguards in Ukraine at the IAEA Board of Governors meeting

Delivered by Resident Representative, Ambassador Raimonds Oškalns

Chair,

Latvia fully aligns itself with the statement delivered by the European Union. I would like to add the following remarks in my national capacity.

Chair,

After four years of Russia’s war of aggression, the Director General’s report once again confirms that the

nuclear safety and security situation in Ukraine remains fragile and is under direct threat. Several of the Seven Indispensable Pillars remain compromised, and Ukraine’s grid continues to deteriorate under repeated Russian attacks.

DG’s report clearly documents Russia’s deliberate strikes on energy infrastructure, including substations and transmission lines. These actions place Ukraine and the entire region at serious risk. In this context, we support the resolution tabled by Canada and the Netherlands and request the Board members to vote in favour.

Chair,

This year’s 40th anniversary of the Chornobyl disaster serves as a stark reminder of the grave consequences of a nuclear accident and reinforces a responsibility to prevent such accidents. We note with concern that the New Safe Confinement can no longer fulfil its function due to damage caused by a Russian strike.

We remain alarmed by the situation at the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP), which experienced two further total losses of off‑site power during the reporting period. It highlights the severe risks created by Russia’s ongoing military actions around the site. We recall that the ZNPP remains under Russia’s illegal control, in violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty, a situation fundamentally incompatible with the safe and secure operation of a nuclear facility.

Latvia is deeply troubled by the illegal detention of 35 ZNPP staff who refused to sign contracts with Rosatom. This is a blatant breach of the principle that operating personnel must be free from undue pressure to fulfil their duties. We stand in solidarity with their families and call for their immediate release.

Chair,

Latvia reaffirms its unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity. We will continue supporting the IAEA’s essential presence and monitoring missions in Ukraine, as well as Agency’s mediation efforts.

We will continue working with Ukraine, the EU and international partners to ensure accountability and contribute to efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace.

Thank you, Chair.