Security of ZNPP includes its full demilitarization and de-occupation

The principles of ensuring nuclear safety at Zaporizhzhya NPP should include full demilitarization and de-occupation of the plant, said Ukraine's Permanent Representative to the UN Sergiy Kyslytsya.

According to Ukrinform's own correspondent in New York, he said this on Tuesday at a meeting of the UN Security Council on the situation at the ZNPP.

He reminded that Russia continues to actively use the nuclear power plant for military purposes, having deployed about 500 military personnel and 50 pieces of heavy weapons there. Military equipment, ammunition, and explosives, according to the Permanent Representative, are located in the turbine halls of power units 1, 2, and 4.

Commenting on the five principles of nuclear safety of ZNPP, which were formulated by IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi in his speech, Kyslytsia said: "We take note of the Director General's principles aimed at promoting nuclear safety at ZNPP... However, these principles should be complemented by the requirement for full demilitarization and de-occupation of the plant".

According to Kyslytsia, they should include the following elements: first, the withdrawal of troops and all other Russian personnel illegally present at the plant; second, guarantees of uninterrupted power supply to ZNPP from the territory controlled by the government of Ukraine; third, a humanitarian corridor to ensure the rotation of ZNPP management, operating and maintenance personnel to maintain the plant in a safe condition.

Ukraine considers it necessary to include these elements in a new resolution of the IAEA Board of Governors, "if such a document is proposed for adoption at its next session," he added.

The Permanent Representative also reminded that radiation and nuclear safety is the first point of the Peace Formula of President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

On Tuesday, the UN Security Council convened a meeting convened by Ukraine's partners, France and Ecuador, to address the situation at the Zaporizhzhia NPP. Russian Permanent Representative Vasily Nebenzya said that there were no Russian weapons or military personnel at the plant. The United States, the United Kingdom, France, Albania, Japan, and Ecuador, among others, harshly criticized Russia.

Author - Serhii Kolomiets, 31/05/2023