At IAEA Emergency Session, Ukraine Urges Sanctions on Russia's Nuclear Agency

IAEA Board of Governors Convenes Emergency Meeting

According to Главком: An emergency meeting of the International Atomic Energy Agency's Board of Governors was held today at Ukraine's request. The session focused on Russia's recent attacks on electrical substations that supply external power to Ukraine's nuclear power plants, as well as the ongoing situation at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. Ukraine called for sanctions against Rosatom, the suspension of Russia's membership on the IAEA Board, and the initiation of amendments to the Agency's statute to address aggressor states.

Negotiations and Key Proposals

Ukraine's Energy Minister, Denys Shmyhal, emphasized that Russia has been systematically and deliberately targeting electrical substations critical to the operation of Ukrainian nuclear facilities. He stated these actions undermine one of the seven pillars of nuclear safety established by the IAEA. Since the start of the full-scale invasion, the Zaporizhzhia plant has completely lost external power a total of 12 times, a precarious situation for any nuclear facility.

During the meeting, Shmyhal held talks with IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi. Attendees heard reports from the heads of Ukraine's nuclear power plants and the leaders of IAEA missions in the country. The Energy Minister further noted that Ukraine urged member states to impose comprehensive sanctions on Rosatom and to restrict cooperation with the state-owned nuclear corporation in all possible areas.

• The issue of suspending Russia's membership on the IAEA Board of Governors was raised.
• Discussions on amending the IAEA statute to limit the rights of an aggressor state formed a key part of the debate.

This meeting underscores the international community's growing alarm over nuclear safety in Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict. These developments highlight the unprecedented use of civilian nuclear sites as a focal point in modern warfare. Attacks on the critical energy infrastructure supporting nuclear power stations could have severe consequences not only for Ukraine but for regional and global security. Decisions on potential sanctions against Rosatom and changes to IAEA policy could set important precedents for ensuring nuclear safety and holding aggressor states accountable.