Agenda item: Nuclear safety, security and safeguards in Ukraine Statement by Denmark

Thank you, Chair,

1. Denmark fully aligns itself with the EU statement.

2. We thank the Director General for the IAEA’s continuous reporting on the nuclear safety and security situation in Ukraine. This gives rise to growing concern. In particular, the situation at the Zaporizhzhya NPP appears to be increasingly precarious, with an ongoing erosion of nuclear safety. And the continuing Russian attacks against Ukraine’s energy infrastructure heighten the risks to all Ukrainian nuclear power plants. 

3. In the face of these challenges, the IAEA’s work in Ukraine remains critically important and we thank the Agency and the staff members involved for the continuous presence at all Ukrainian nuclear power plants, the visits to electrical substations and the mediation of local ceasefire zones. In particular we commend the IAEA for its instrumental role in bringing about the seventh ceasefire, enabling restoration of off-site power to the ZNPP. We realise that the IAEA’s work is challenging and we appreciate the dedication demonstrated. We underline that the activities of the IAEA should be facilitated and regret that, according to the report, Russia continues to deny the IAEA full access to and full information about the ZNPP.

Chair,
4. I wish to be clear that none of these concerns existed before Russia’s full-scale war of aggression began. They are the result of an unjust war that has been going on now for four and a half years.

5. The solution, therefore, is for Russia to comply with international law and the calls of both this Board and the General Conference. Russia must reverse its invasion by fully withdrawing its forces, other personnel and all military equipment from the entire territory of Ukraine, including the ZNPP. We, with the UN General Assembly, wholly reject Russia’s claims of ownership of the ZNPP.

6. In closing, I would like to underline my country’s full and unwavering support for the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognised borders and for a just and lasting peace. 

Thank you, Chair