Russian terror puts all of Europe at risk of a nuclear incident—partners and media need to pay attention and act now to stop nuclear terrorists in Moscow. Russia has recently intensified attacks on the Ukrainian nuclear energy system, creating a direct risk of a nuclear incident. There has been none so far—only thanks to the professionalism of Ukrainian nuclear energy professionals. Russia’s recent attacks against our energy grid have been causing Ukraine’s three operational nuclear power plants to throttle down, occasionally trigger automatic safety shutdowns, reduce output, or disconnect units. Each such situation is a direct threat. Furthermore, the IAEA has recently documented numerous drone flyovers near the Rivne and Khmelnytskyi sites, which are classified as significant security threats. Previously, Russia has hit Chornobyl’s New Confinement with drones, occupied a nuclear power plant for the first time in human history, the ZNPP, turned it into a military base, and continues to create risks for its nuclear safety. Russian terrorists will continue to escalate these threats as long as the world does not stop them. Solutions are ready: sanctions against “Rosatom,” amendments to the IAEA Statute proposed by Ukraine, and enhanced air defense for the Ukrainian defenders to prevent Russia’s strikes against the nuclear energy system. The world must pay attention to Russia’s unacceptable and reckless behavior, putting hundreds of millions of Europeans at direct risk. For instance, the Rivne Nuclear Power Plant is just 135 kilometres from EU and NATO borders. Every air defense system and interceptor provided to Ukraine now is a contribution to the nuclear safety of the entire European continent. We are informing our partners and all headquarters and urge action.

During today’s attacks, Russia once again targeted substations that power the Khmelnytskyi and Rivne nuclear power plants. These were not accidental but well-planned strikes. Russia is deliberately endangering nuclear safety in Europe. We call for an urgent meeting of the IAEA Board of Governors to respond to these unacceptable risks. We also urge all states that value nuclear safety, particularly China and India, to demand Russia stop reckless attacks on nuclear energy that risk a catastrophic incident. There needs to be global pressure to force Moscow to stop its nuclear blackmail.