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

IAEA Board of Governors

Item 8  “Nuclear safety, security and safeguards in Ukraine”

Statement by the Republic of Latvia

Delivered by Jorens Jakovļevs, Third Secretary

Chair,

Latvia aligns itself with the statement delivered by Ireland on behalf of the European Union and would like to add the following remarks in its national capacity.

The Director General’s latest report once again confirms the deteriorating nuclear safety and security situation in Ukraine, including at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, resulting from Russia’s war of aggression.

We are deeply alarmed by the repeated loss of off-site power at the ZNPP. Let us be clear: this is not merely a technical issue, but a direct consequence of Russia’s attacks on Ukraine’s critical energy infrastructure. Regular disruptions and concerns regarding fuel reserves create unacceptable nuclear safety risks.

Chair,

Latvia continues to strongly support the Seven Indispensable Pillars and the Five Concrete Principles for the ZNPP. We commend the IAEA staff deployed at Ukrainian nuclear facilities, as well as the DG for facilitating the restoration of the Ferosplavna power line and the reconnection of the ZNPP to the external grid.

Such measures can mitigate immediate risks but do not address the underlying cause, namely, Russia’s illegal occupation of the ZNPP. Nuclear safety and security will remain at severe risk as long as Russia maintains control of the plant and continues its attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.

The only sustainable solution is for Russia to end its aggression and we call on Russia to cease its occupation of the ZNPP, and return the plant to the full control of the competent Ukrainian authorities, in line with relevant resolutions of this Board, the General Conference and the United Nations General Assembly.

Latvia reaffirms its unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders, as well as for the IAEA’s role in ensuring nuclear safety, security and safeguards in Ukraine. We remain committed to achieving a just and lasting peace and restoring nuclear safety and security in Ukraine.

Thank you, Chair.