Ukraine's MFA Calls for Sanctions against "Rosatom" Due to Putin's Appropriation of ZNPP
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine called on international partners to respond to Russia's attempt to take control over the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant after annexing the territory of Ukraine, where it is located.
In its statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs called the decree of the president of the aggressor country Vladimir Putin on the transfer of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant to Russia's ownership null and void.
It also condemns this action as a crime that "increases the risks and threats in nuclear security caused by the Russian occupation of the ZNPP."
"We suggest that the European Union, the G7 countries, and other partners urgently consider imposing sanctions against the Russian state corporation Rosatom, its affiliated companies and institutions, as well as other key factors of Russia's nuclear energy industry," the MFA statement reads.
The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry also calls on the members of the International Atomic Energy Agency "to limit cooperation within any projects with Russia, which is resorting to undisguised nuclear blackmail of the whole world."
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reminded everyone involved in the occupation of the ZNNP would bear responsibility and called on Russia to "ensure the safety and integrity of Ukrainian citizens who continue to perform critical functions at the nuclear power plant."
On 1 September, a mission of the International Atomic Energy Agency arrived at the ZNPP in occupied Enerhodar. On 5 September, four of the six members of the IAEA mission completed their work and left the ZNPP, with two representatives of the organisation remaining at the plant.
Rafael Grossi, Director General of the IAEA, said that a safety zone around the ZNPP needs to be established immediately to prevent a nuclear accident.
On 5 October, Vladimir Putin signed a decree according to which the control over Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) would be handed over to Russia. Since Ukraine does not recognize the annexation, this decision actually has no force.