Ukraine’s envoy urges global sanctions on Russia’s nuclear industry at UN Commemoration of Chornobyl
He made the statement on Friday during a special session of the United Nations General Assembly marking the 40th anniversary of the Chornobyl disaster, Ukrinform’s correspondent in New York reports.
Melnyk recalled that Russian forces seized the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, which remains under occupation. “For the first time in history, one country has illegally occupied an operating nuclear power plant using armed force,” he noted.
The envoy stressed that such actions pose a threat not only to Ukraine but to the international community as a whole.
“This nuclear blackmail must end. Russia has to return the plant to Ukraine immediately and unconditionally and ensure safety in accordance with IAEA standards,” the diplomat emphasized.
He also referred to the situation at the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant at the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion.
“The Chornobyl nuclear power plant and the exclusion zone were among the first sites seized by Russian troops… Russians violated all radiation safety protocols and used the cite for military purposes as a springboard for their advance toward Kyiv,” Melnyk said.
According to him, a new disaster was avoided thanks to the actions of Ukrainian staff.
Melnyk added that some personnel from the plant were forcibly taken to Russia, “and many of them are still kept in captivity in Russia.”
He stressed that threats to the site persist even after its de-occupation.
“On February 13, 2025, a Russian combat drone struck the New Safe Confinement at the Chornobyl NPP jeopardizing decades of collective international efforts to make the cite safe and secure,” he said.
The diplomat called on the international community to support the restoration of the damaged shelter.
He also noted that on April 26 Ukraine will host an international conference on Chornobyl recovery and nuclear safety, urging “all member states, international organizations and relevant stakeholders to provide contributions and technical assistance for the repair of the damaged confinement.”
“UN member states must stop looking away and finally introduce coordinated sanctions against Russia’s nuclear energy industry,” Melnyk stressed.
As reported, the United Nations General Assembly convened a special commemorative session on Friday to mark the 40th anniversary of the Chornobyl disaster.
