The United States has expressed its appreciation for the latest report from the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) regarding nuclear safety, security, and safeguards in Ukraine. The statement was delivered by Chargé d’Affaires Howard Solomon during the IAEA Board of Governors meeting in Vienna on June 12, 2025.
"The United States welcomes the Director General’s latest report describing the nuclear safety, security, and safeguards situation in Ukraine. We appreciate the Secretariat’s dedication to its unparalleled mission in Ukraine," Solomon stated. He acknowledged the efforts of IAEA experts working under challenging conditions and emphasized diplomatic efforts for peace between Ukraine and Russia.
The U.S. reiterated its call for all parties to avoid actions that could lead to a nuclear incident at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP), which is currently unsafe to operate due to inadequate cooling water supply and unstable power supply. "Such actions are not limited to just artillery fire and drone strikes but also include any potential effort to restart a reactor at the ZNPP," Solomon noted.
Solomon emphasized support for the IAEA's role in assisting Ukraine with nuclear safety while fulfilling its safeguards obligations amidst ongoing conflict. The report highlighted military activities near ZNPP as posing significant risks to nuclear safety.
Despite challenging circumstances, verification activities continue under Ukraine's Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement and Additional Protocol. The U.S. encouraged continued proactive engagement with relevant authorities for safeguards implementation and commended Ukraine's efforts despite the conflict.
"We encourage all Member States to consider supporting the Agency’s efforts in Ukraine," said Solomon, expressing concern about extended rotations' psychological impact on IAEA experts at ZNPP.
In conclusion, Solomon requested that the Director General’s report be made public: "With these remarks, the United States takes note of the Director General’s latest report...on Nuclear Safety, Security, and Safeguards in Ukraine."