The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine has strongly condemned the bombings of the Russian Federation around the Zaporizhzhia NPP, emphasizing that they are part of a deliberate strategy to stop repair work, Ukrinform reported, BTA reported.
The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry pointed out that the numerous bombings in the immediate vicinity of nuclear power plants registered by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) are a deliberate provocation by Russia, which once again testifies to its complete disregard for international law, the IAEA charter and the seven basic principles of nuclear safety.
"The deliberate creation of risks around the largest nuclear power plant in Europe poses a nuclear threat to the entire continent," the Foreign Ministry warned.
Part of Kiev's concerns consist of the fact that the Zaporizhia NPP does not have an external power supply, relying on unreliable backup energy sources.
The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry also stated that it will continue to work closely with the IAEA to minimize future risks, ensure operational readiness for repairs and restore appropriate nuclear safety parameters.
Ukraine also called on partner countries to apply political pressure and strengthen sanctions to stop "Russian nuclear blackmail" and prevent a catastrophe that would have cross-border consequences for all of Europe.
The last external power transmission connection to the Zaporizhia NPP was interrupted on September 23, Ukrinform reminds. The Russian Federation forces have not yet provided security guarantees to the teams of the Ukrainian energy company "Ukrenergo", which is carrying out repairs at the nuclear power plant.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sibiga said that Russia deliberately removed the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant from Ukraine's power grid in order to connect it to its own.