Agenda item: Nuclear safety, security and safeguards in Ukraine

Statement by Denmark

Thank you Chair,

1. Denmark fully aligns itself with the statement delivered earlier by Poland as well as the Joint Statement delivered by Canada.

2. We thank the Director General for his latest report. It again showcases how Russia’s illegal war of aggression against Ukraine has major consequences for nuclear safety and security as well as affecting the implementation of safeguards.

3. On this basis we are grateful to the Agency for its continued presence at all Ukraine’s nuclear power plants, including the ZNPP.

4. In line with the EU position and the Joint Statement delivered by Canada, we strongly regret Russia’s irresponsible behaviour that has now resulted in IAEA again being forced to rotate its staff through the occupied territories.

5. The report also highlights Russia’s reckless behaviour: Militarisation of ZNPP, denial of full IAEA access, drones flying in close proximity, six of the seven indispensable pillars being compromised and the Five Principles being put at great risk. The fact that these elements are not new in this reporting period only further underlines how Russia’s behaviour impacts nuclear safety and security and creates an unacceptable risk of a nuclear disaster.

6. We also take note of the Agency’s understanding in the report that no reactor of the ZNPP is to be restarted as long as the nuclear safety and security situation remains in jeopardy. It is crucial that Russia does not attempt to restart the ZNPP, a power plant that it has illegally annexed and thus, has no experience operating. We were in this regard extremely worried to see satellite images of Russia’s construction of new power lines, allegedly to be able to connect ZNPP to the Russian power grid. The ZNPP is a Ukrainian nuclear power plant and rather than preparing a restart, Russia should immediately return control of it to Ukraine.

Chair,

7. We consider the Agency’s work in Ukraine of paramount importance. That is also why the government of Denmark has decided to make a further contribution of six million Danish kroner, approximately 800.000 euros, available to support the Agency’s efforts in implementing their mandate in these difficult and precarious circumstances.

Chair,

8. We continue to demand that Russia complies with international law and the calls of both this Board and the General Conference. Russia must reverse its invasion by fully withdrawing its forces, other personnel and all military equipment from the ZNPP and the entire territory of Ukraine. We, with the UN General Assembly, wholly reject Russia’s claims of ownership of the ZNPP.

9. In closing, I would like to underline my country’s full and unwavering support for the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognised borders and for a just and lasting peace.

Thank you, Chair