ZNPP security should include complete demilitarization and deoccupation — Kyslytsya on Grossi's plan

He said this at the meeting of the UN Security Council regarding the situation at the ZNPP.

Russia continues to actively use the nuclear plant for military purposes, stationing about 500 soldiers and 50 units of heavy weapons there. Military equipment, ammunition and explosives are located in the turbine halls of power units 1, 2 and 4, Kyslytsia emphasized.

In his speech at the UN Security Council, the diplomat said that Ukraine takes into account the five principles of nuclear safety of the ZNPP, formulated by IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi.

"We take note of the general director's principles aimed at promoting nuclear safety at the ZNPP...However, these principles should be supplemented by the demand for complete demilitarization and de-occupation of the station," he noted. 

According to Kyslytsya, they should include:

• Withdrawal of troops and all other Russian personnel illegally present at the station.

• Guarantees of uninterrupted electricity supply to the ZNPP from the territory under the control of the government of Ukraine.

• A humanitarian corridor to ensure the rotation of management, operation, and maintenance personnel of the ZNPP in order to maintain the safety of the plant. 

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

In addition, Kyslytsya reminded that radiation and nuclear safety is the first point of the Peace Formula of the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

UN Security Council Meeting on ZNPP

A meeting of the UN Security Council took place on Tuesday, May 30, initiated by Ukraine's partners, France, and Ecuador, to address the situation at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP).

During the meeting, the Russian ambassador, Vasily Nebenzya, expressed the expectation that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) would condemn Kyiv's actions, accusing them of repeatedly bringing the world close to a nuclear incident. He further emphasized “Russia's commitment to enhancing ZNPP security” and issuing an “extremely harsh response” to any attacks on the ZNPP and Enerhodar by Kyiv.

In contrast, the Director General of the IAEA, Rafael Grossi, presented an updated safety plan for the ZNPP. The plan outlined several key principles, including:

• Prohibition of attacks on or from the ZNPP premises.

• The ZNPP infrastructure should not be utilized for storing heavy weapons or as a military base.

• The external power supply, crucial for the facility's safe operation, must not be endangered and should remain available.

• Comprehensive protection of all essential structures, systems, and components required for safe operation against attacks or sabotage.

• Upholding of these principles without actions that undermine their integrity.

Situation at Zaporizhzhia NPP

The Russian forces seized control of the Zaporizhia Nuclear Power Plant on March 4, 2022. Despite their attempts, they were unable to connect it to the power system of the Russian Federation. However, they forced the shutdown of the power units to prevent energy from reaching Ukrainian territory. Since then, the power plant has experienced multiple disruptions in power supply, and needed diesel generators. The occupiers have established a military base on the site, subjecting Ukrainian personnel to constant intimidation.

For instance, on May 19, 2023, Russian troops shelled the area near Enerhodar, where a significant number of ZNPP employees reside. Additionally, on the night of May 22, the last high-voltage transmission line at the Zaporizhzhia NPP was severed due to terrorist shelling. However, power was later restored.

Moreover, the number of occupiers present at the ZNPP exceeds that of the station's personnel. Ukrainian workers attempting to inspect the power units have faced physical assaults from the invading troops, with some individuals requiring hospitalization.

On May 26, Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR) reported that Russian occupiers were preparing for "nuclear provocations" at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in the near future. 

Subsequently, on May 31, Energoatom reported an escalation of pressure on Zaporizhzhia NPP employees. The occupiers subjected the workers to torture, blackmail, and intimidation, compelling them to sign contracts under torture.