Ukraine Urges IAEA to Suspend Russia Over Nuclear Safety Violations

Ukraine’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal urged the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to fully isolate Russia, impose sanctions and suspend its membership, after a briefing with IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi and Ukraine’s nuclear plant chiefs, according to Ukraine’s Energy Ministry on January 23. 

Shmyhal said January 23 marked three years since the first IAEA mission deployed to the Khmelnytskyi nuclear power plant and said Ukraine expected an eighth mission “in the near future,” calling it a signal of support as Russia “systematically” escalates nuclear-related risks. 

He said ongoing strikes on Ukraine’s power system and key substations, as well as the transit of drones and missiles near nuclear facilities, amounted to “clear signs of nuclear terrorism” under international conventions, and he called on the IAEA to use its authority under Article III.A.6 of the agency’s statute and ensure adherence to the “Seven Pillars” of nuclear safety.  

Shmyhal said another IAEA Board of Governors meeting would be held at the end of January at Ukraine’s request and said the agency should raise the issue of Russia’s “complete international isolation” and the suspension of its rights as a member state, while also informing the UN Security Council and UN General Assembly and initiating international sanctions over what he described as violations of nuclear and radiation safety norms. 

Earlier, it was reported that Ukraine formally accused Russia of deliberately endangering nuclear safety in Europe by targeting substations that power Khmelnytskyi and Rivne nuclear plants and called for an urgent IAEA Board of Governors meeting.

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