Statement by Ambassador KAIFU Atsushi at the IAEA Board of Governors Meeting starting on Wednesday, 20 November 2024 Item 6: Nuclear Safety, Security and Safeguards in Ukraine

2024/11/21
Thank you, Chair,
 
Japan thanks the Director General and the Secretariat for the report on this agenda item.
 
Japan remains deeply concerned about the nuclear safety and security situation in Ukraine. As the DG report states, the situation at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) is “precarious, with six of the Seven Pillars compromised either fully or partially”. The DG report also says that military activities including explosions, drone attacks and gunfire as well as the presence of Russian armed troops and military equipment continue to be observed. We find other persistent challenges in the report including activities affecting, for example, the off-site power supply or, potentially, the staff of the ZNPP, which put the Five Principles and the overall nuclear safety and security at great risk.
 
Japan firmly supports the IAEA’s presence at all of Ukraine’s nuclear sites as well as its role in monitoring the situation and conducting an independent, impartial and objective assessment. The ability of the Agency should not be limited and timely, appropriate access as well as open and regular information sharing should be provided.
 
Japan commends the tireless efforts of the Ukrainian staff for the safe and secure operation of NPPs. We are concerned about increasing risks deriving from frequent reports of drones observed flying in close proximity to the operating NPPs, frequent air raid alarms, and actual impacts on energy infrastructure including and especially the recent ones in last week. They are all caused by military activities on Ukrainian territory.
 
Chair,
 
Japan expresses its grave concern that the Russian Federation has not heeded the resolutions of the General Conference and the Board of Governors. Russia must immediately and unconditionally withdraw from the entire internationally recognised territory of Ukraine, including Ukraine’s ZNPP, and the ZNPP should be immediately returned to the full control of the Ukrainian authorities.
 
Japan deeply appreciates the DG and the Agency staff for their dedicated efforts. Japan welcomes the expansion of the IAEA’s assistance to help ensure stability of critical energy infrastructure. We also commend the Agency for continuing to implement safeguards in Ukraine in accordance with Ukraine’s CSA (Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement) and AP (Additional Protocol).
Japan continues to support the IAEA’s work.
 
I thank you, Chair.