Russia must return control of Zaporizhzhia NPP to Ukraine, halt attacks on energy infrastructure – European Commission
On the 40th anniversary of the Chornobyl disaster, the EU has once again called on Russia to end its illegal occupation of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant and to stop attacks on Ukraine’s energy system.
This is according to the joint statement by the European Commission and EU High Representative Kaja Kallas marking the anniversary of the Chornobyl nuclear disaster, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.
“Forty years ago, the disaster at the Chornobyl Power Plant marked one of the gravest nuclear disasters in human history. Its true toll, long obscured by Soviet secrecy, has only become clearer over time. To this day, its legacy remains a stark reminder that ensuring nuclear safety depends on transparency, robust safeguards and international cooperation,” the EU statement reads.
At the same time, it stressed that Russian relentless strikes on Chornobyl's New Safe Confinement, the structure built to contain the remains of reactor 4, undermine decades of international efforts and €2.1 billion in investment aimed at mitigating the consequences of the disaster.
“Russia's illegal seizure and continued occupation of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, the largest nuclear facility in Europe, significantly increase the risk to human life and environmental protection,” the statement added.
It further noted that Moscow’s systematic attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure threaten the stable electricity supply required for the safe operation of nuclear facilities.
“On this gruesome anniversary, we call on Russia to immediately cease all attacks on nuclear facilities in Ukraine and to comply with the Seven Indispensable Pillars for Nuclear Safety and Security during an armed conflict,” the statement emphasized.
The EU also stressed that Russia will be held accountable for endangering public safety. It “must compensate for the damage caused, and return full control of the Zaporizhzhia plant to Ukraine,” the Commission and High Representative stated.
“We call on the international community to sustain and reinforce its support for Ukraine, including efforts to repair the New Safe Confinement, and to collectively reflect on how to protect nuclear facilities better, especially in time of war. The G7 initiative to discuss repairs to the Chornobyl site at the upcoming meeting in May is an important step,” the statement said.
As a reminder, the European Union has systematically supported nuclear safety and radiation protection in Ukraine, providing more than €1 billion in related funding.
The EU is also the largest donor to international funds managed by the EBRD for environmental safety at the Chornobyl site. It has contributed over €423 million to the construction of the New Safe Confinement in Chornobyl, and last year provided an additional €37 million through its Nuclear Safety Cooperation Instrument for nuclear safety in Ukraine, part of which will support urgent repairs to the structure.
The full repair of damage caused by a Russian drone strike will require at least an additional €500 million in funding.
Photo: eumetsat.int