Russia is using nuclear energy as a tool of pressure, systematically undermining the safety of Ukrainian nuclear power plants while maintaining its influence in key international institutions. Ukraine insists that this situation is unacceptable and dangerous for the whole of Europe.
At the end of January, Kyiv took a step that until recently seemed unthinkable, officially raising the issue of suspending Russia’s participation in the governing bodies of the IAEA. The reason is Moscow’s actions that directly threaten nuclear safety.
The Ukrainian side emphasizes that a state that deliberately creates risks for nuclear facilities cannot simultaneously participate in the management of the global nuclear control system. This is not about abstract fears, but about repeated incidents caused by the actions of the Russian army.
Attacks on the power supply to nuclear power plants
One of the key elements of this strategy has been strikes on substations and power lines that provide external power to nuclear power plants. After the Russian army’s attacks on January 20, the Chernobyl nuclear power plant was completely cut off from power. This event served as a reminder that even a decommissioned facility poses an extremely high risk.
The situation at the occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant looks even more alarming. Due to shelling from Russia, the plant has repeatedly experienced complete disconnections from the external grid — a scenario that experts call one of the most dangerous for nuclear safety. Each such blackout brings the region closer to a catastrophe that would affect the whole of Europe.
Rosatom and international responsibility
Against this backdrop, Kyiv is demanding not only institutional solutions within the framework of the IAEA, but also tough economic measures. Rosatom is a Russian state-owned corporation that continues to operate in international markets despite the war and the risks associated with it.
Ukraine insists on comprehensive sanctions and the effective isolation of the company from international cooperation. The logic is simple: you cannot simultaneously destroy the foundations of nuclear safety and operate in the global nuclear energy market.
A threat that goes beyond Ukraine
Undermining nuclear safety in a zone of active hostilities is not a regional problem. Any serious incident at Ukrainian nuclear power plants will affect the entire European continent. That is why Kiev emphasizes that this is not a bilateral conflict, but a challenge to the entire international security system.
As long as the aggressor does not face real responsibility, nuclear blackmail remains part of its arsenal. The international community must recognize the scale of the threat and act immediately. Russia must be severely punished for undermining global nuclear security. Otherwise, the price of delay will be incomparably higher than any political compromises.