IAEA Adopts Resolution Urging Russia to Cease Occupation of Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] The Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) adopted a resolution urging Russia, which is occupying the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine, to cease its occupation and withdraw. This demand came amid growing concerns over nuclear safety, calling on the international community to swiftly transfer jurisdiction. The Russian side has opposed the resolution, stating that the IAEA has not specified the actual party threatening nuclear safety.

According to the New York Times (NYT) on the 15th (local time), the IAEA Board of Governors passed the resolution during a closed meeting, stating that Russia must immediately stop occupying the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant and deploying troops, as well as halt all measures taken regarding the nuclear facility. The board condemned "the continued violent acts by Russia against Ukrainian nuclear facilities, including the ongoing presence of Russian troops at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant."

This resolution was proposed by Canada and Poland, as Ukraine, the concerned party, is not a member of the IAEA Board of Governors. In the subsequent vote, 26 countries voted in favor, excluding Russia and China who voted against, and seven countries including India, Pakistan, and Vietnam who abstained.

Russia immediately reacted with opposition. Mikhail Ulyanov, Russia’s IAEA Ambassador to Vienna, Austria, stated in his speech at the IAEA Board of Governors meeting that "the inspection report on the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant submitted by the IAEA Director General makes no mention of the party responsible for shelling the plant," and added, "Ukraine will continue to shell the nuclear plant in the future."

Meanwhile, all six reactors at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant are currently shut down due to shelling damage and concerns over accident risks. Although some of the backup power supply lines, which had been temporarily cut off, have been partially restored, preventing the cooling systems from completely stopping, the risk of accidents remains high.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.