Macron holds series of talks on safety of Ukraine's nuclear facilities

05.03.2022 02:26

Ukrinform

President of France Emmanuel Macron discussed the security of Ukrainian nuclear facilities with the leadership of the IAEA, Ukraine, Germany, and the United Kingdom.

The Elysée Palace reports about these telephone conversations.

Regarding the conversation with the IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi, it is stated that France will offer concrete measures to ensure the reliability and safety of Ukraine's five main nuclear facilities together with its main partners based on IAEA technical criteria in the coming hours.

Macron also discussed the fighting at the Zaporizhzhia NPP with German Chancellor Scholz. Scholz welcomed Macron's proposal for concrete measures to implement the IAEA recommendations.

The interlocutors also agreed to maintain close coordination in view of the Versailles Summit on March 10 and 11 in the context of France's presidency of the Council of the European Union, which will address adaptation to the consequences of war in Ukraine and conclusions to be drawn in defense and energy sectors.

Scholz also said he had a difficult conversation with Russian president Putin.

The latest events in Ukraine were discussed with Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Boris Johnson. Johnson also expressed support for Macron's proposal to take steps to implement IAEA recommendations on the safety of Ukraine's nuclear facilities.

They agreed to continue the conversation in Quint format (Germany, USA, France, Italy, Great Britain).

Talks with President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky focused on recent developments and progress in the negotiations. The interlocutors also discussed the humanitarian needs of the population. Macron noted that France would continue to strengthen its support for Ukraine in this regard.

Macron also informed Zelensky about his proposal to develop concrete measures that will ensure the safety of Ukraine's five main nuclear facilities based on IAEA recommendations. It is noted that President Zelensky welcomed this approach. They agreed to stay in touch for hours and days.

On the night of March 4, a fire broke out at the Zaporizhzhia NPP as a result of heavy Russian shelling. The Power Unit No.1 was hit.