London, 7 July 2023 (TDI): In a statement issued by the Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom, James Cleverly, he expressed deep concern over the safety of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine.
Cleverly urged Russia to refrain from actions that could endanger the plant’s safety and emphasized the importance of granting the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) full access to inspect the facility to ensure nuclear safety and security.
Russia must not endanger the safety of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant further.
The IAEA must have full access to inspect the plant and ensure nuclear safety and security.
— James Cleverly🇬🇧 (@JamesCleverly) July 7, 2023
The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, located in southeastern Ukraine, is Europe’s largest nuclear power facility and plays a crucial role in meeting the country’s energy needs.
Ensuring the safety and security of such nuclear installations is of paramount importance, both regionally and globally.
Foreign Secretary Cleverly highlighted the need for Russia to recognize its responsibility in safeguarding the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant.
Any actions that could potentially compromise the safety of the plant not only pose a significant risk to Ukraine but also have broader implications for regional stability and the environment.
Cleverly underscored the vital role of the IAEA in upholding nuclear safety standards.
As the leading international organization for promoting the peaceful use of nuclear energy, the IAEA plays a critical role in verifying compliance with established protocols and ensuring the safety and security of nuclear installations worldwide.
Also Read: EU Provides Croatia €1 Billion in recovery support
Granting the IAEA full access to inspect the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant would allow for an independent assessment of its safety measures and help alleviate concerns regarding its operations.
The safety of nuclear power plants is a matter of utmost importance, considering the potential risks associated with nuclear accidents.
The statement comes after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Russia of planning to trigger an explosion at Zaporizhzhia.
Experts believe that any damage to the power plant could result in radiation contamination that expands thousands of kilometers in land and sea. This could turn out worse than Fukushima and Chornobyl.