Today, nuclear power plants located on the territory controlled by Ukraine comply with technical standards, and the radiation background at their sites remains within the safety limits. However, attacks by the Russian Federation on energy infrastructure facilities could potentially undermine the security of nuclear plants. This was stated by the Head of the State Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority, Oleg Korikov, during a meeting with representatives of the G7 countries and the EU Delegation to Ukraine.
"Nuclear energy is an important component of the energy system and national electricity production. The safe operation of nuclear power plants depends on the normal operation of the power system. Therefore, any damage to power grids, substations and other elements can affect the safety of nuclear plants and create new threats," he emphasized.
Korikov also noted that attacks on the Ukrainian energy infrastructure in 2022 led to the emergency shutdown of all power units of nuclear power plants in Ukraine.
In this regard, he called on international partners, in particular the G7 countries, to provide assistance to Ukraine to protect energy infrastructure and restore destroyed facilities.
Regarding the situation at the occupied Zaporizhzhya NPP, Korikov recalled the IAEA resolutions, which require Russia to demilitarize and return control of the plant to Ukraine.
"The absence of an international accountability mechanism makes it impossible to effectively respond to Russia's violation of international law and security principles. Only a united position of the international community can force Russia to fulfill the requirements of the IAEA," he noted.
Korikov called for continuing pressure on Russia and limiting its rights in international organizations, including the IAEA, and stressed that any attempt by Russia to restart the reactors at the Zaporizhia NPP lacks technical or economic grounds and can be qualified as an act of nuclear terrorism.
