Statement by Ambassador KAIFU Atsushi at the IAEA Board of Governors Meeting starting on Monday, 3 March 2025 Item 8: Nuclear Safety, Security and Safeguards in Ukraine
2025/3/6
Thank you, Madame Chair,
Japan fully associates the joint statement delivered by Canada.
For three years we have repeatedly expressed deep concern about the nuclear safety and security situation in Ukraine. The precarious situation at the occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) continues, with six of the Seven Pillars compromised. It still faces challenges related to off-site power lines and military activities as well as the presence of Russian armed troops and military equipment remain observed. Japan shares the Agency’s understanding that all units remain in shutdown as long as the situation remains in jeopardy.
Increasing risk derived from frequently-observed drones flying in proximity at the operating NPPs is matter of concern. The drone incident at the Chornobyl NPP last month is an alarming example. Additional attacks on the critical energy infrastructure, including substations, also result in an increased risk. They are all caused by military activities on Ukrainian territory and underscore the persistent risks to nuclear safety and security.
Japan firmly supports the IAEA’s presence at all of Ukraine’s nuclear sites as well as its role in monitoring the situation against the Seven Pillars. The IAEA’s role in conducting an impartial and objective assessment and to provide relevant information updates is essential. As the assessment ability of the Agency on the Five Principles should not be limited, timely and appropriate access as well as open, precise information sharing should be provided. Japan emphasizes the importance of the safety of IAEA staff and the regular rotation of IAEA missions.
Madame Chair,
Japan expresses its grave concern that the Russian Federation has not heeded the resolutions of the IAEA Board and General Conference. Ukraine’s ZNPP should be returned to the full control of the Ukrainian authorities.
Madame Chair,
Japan hopes that the various diplomatic efforts which are currently ongoing will bear fruit and help achieve a breakthrough in the situation. Japan always supports Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders.
Japan deeply appreciates the DG and the Agency staff for their dedicated efforts under difficult circumstances. 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 expresses continued support to the IAEA’s work including through our recent contribution.
I thank you, Chair.
Japan fully associates the joint statement delivered by Canada.
For three years we have repeatedly expressed deep concern about the nuclear safety and security situation in Ukraine. The precarious situation at the occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) continues, with six of the Seven Pillars compromised. It still faces challenges related to off-site power lines and military activities as well as the presence of Russian armed troops and military equipment remain observed. Japan shares the Agency’s understanding that all units remain in shutdown as long as the situation remains in jeopardy.
Increasing risk derived from frequently-observed drones flying in proximity at the operating NPPs is matter of concern. The drone incident at the Chornobyl NPP last month is an alarming example. Additional attacks on the critical energy infrastructure, including substations, also result in an increased risk. They are all caused by military activities on Ukrainian territory and underscore the persistent risks to nuclear safety and security.
Japan firmly supports the IAEA’s presence at all of Ukraine’s nuclear sites as well as its role in monitoring the situation against the Seven Pillars. The IAEA’s role in conducting an impartial and objective assessment and to provide relevant information updates is essential. As the assessment ability of the Agency on the Five Principles should not be limited, timely and appropriate access as well as open, precise information sharing should be provided. Japan emphasizes the importance of the safety of IAEA staff and the regular rotation of IAEA missions.
Madame Chair,
Japan expresses its grave concern that the Russian Federation has not heeded the resolutions of the IAEA Board and General Conference. Ukraine’s ZNPP should be returned to the full control of the Ukrainian authorities.
Madame Chair,
Japan hopes that the various diplomatic efforts which are currently ongoing will bear fruit and help achieve a breakthrough in the situation. Japan always supports Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders.
Japan deeply appreciates the DG and the Agency staff for their dedicated efforts under difficult circumstances. 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 expresses continued support to the IAEA’s work including through our recent contribution.
I thank you, Chair.