Statement by Ambassador KAIFU Atsushi at the IAEA Board of Governors Meeting starting on Monday, 8 June 2026 Item 6: Nuclear Safety, Security and Safeguards in Ukraine
2026/6/10
Thank you Chair,
Japan fully aligns itself with the Joint Statement delivered by Ukraine.
Japan remains seriously concerned about nuclear safety and security in Ukraine amidst the ongoing war of aggression. The latest DG report and recent information from the IAEA once again highlight how precarious the situation remains.
Japan is deeply worried about continued military activities that adversely affect nuclear facilities or infrastructure essential to their safe and secure operation. Recent developments, such as an attack causing damage to the central spent fuel storage facility at Chornobyl on 7 June and military activities leading to recurrence of loss of off-site power at the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) in disregard of the tireless efforts by the DG and the Secretariat to establish a local ceasefire, are truly concerning.
Such circumstances pose constant threats to nuclear safety and security and increase the risk of a nuclear accident. Japan once again calls for maximum military restraint and full adherence to the “Seven Indispensable Pillars” and “Five Concrete Principles”.
Under this challenging situation, Japan pays tribute to the dedication and professionalism of all IAEA staff serving in Ukraine, including recent expert missions to assess electrical substations and continual in-field verification activities. Japan emphasizes the importance of the safety of IAEA staff, and stresses that their timely and appropriate access to nuclear-related facilities should not be restricted.
Chair,
Japan expresses its grave concern over the fact that the Russian Federation has not heeded the resolutions of the IAEA Board and GC. Ukraine’s ZNPP should be returned to the full control of the Ukrainian authorities. Japan reaffirms its unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity.
Lastly, in March this year, Japan contributed an additional 2.6 million euros to support the Agency’s important activities in Ukraine, including its expert missions. Japan will continue to strongly support the Agency’s vital work in Ukraine together with like-minded Member States.
Thank you, Chair.
Japan fully aligns itself with the Joint Statement delivered by Ukraine.
Japan remains seriously concerned about nuclear safety and security in Ukraine amidst the ongoing war of aggression. The latest DG report and recent information from the IAEA once again highlight how precarious the situation remains.
Japan is deeply worried about continued military activities that adversely affect nuclear facilities or infrastructure essential to their safe and secure operation. Recent developments, such as an attack causing damage to the central spent fuel storage facility at Chornobyl on 7 June and military activities leading to recurrence of loss of off-site power at the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) in disregard of the tireless efforts by the DG and the Secretariat to establish a local ceasefire, are truly concerning.
Such circumstances pose constant threats to nuclear safety and security and increase the risk of a nuclear accident. Japan once again calls for maximum military restraint and full adherence to the “Seven Indispensable Pillars” and “Five Concrete Principles”.
Under this challenging situation, Japan pays tribute to the dedication and professionalism of all IAEA staff serving in Ukraine, including recent expert missions to assess electrical substations and continual in-field verification activities. Japan emphasizes the importance of the safety of IAEA staff, and stresses that their timely and appropriate access to nuclear-related facilities should not be restricted.
Chair,
Japan expresses its grave concern over the fact that the Russian Federation has not heeded the resolutions of the IAEA Board and GC. Ukraine’s ZNPP should be returned to the full control of the Ukrainian authorities. Japan reaffirms its unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity.
Lastly, in March this year, Japan contributed an additional 2.6 million euros to support the Agency’s important activities in Ukraine, including its expert missions. Japan will continue to strongly support the Agency’s vital work in Ukraine together with like-minded Member States.
Thank you, Chair.