The United States has expressed ongoing concern about nuclear safety and security in Ukraine during the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors meeting in Vienna on November 20, 2025. Howard Solomon, Chargé d’Affaires, ad interim, delivered the statement on behalf of the U.S., aligning with a joint declaration by Canada and noting broad international support for Ukraine at the meeting.
Solomon thanked IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi for his recent report on nuclear safety and safeguards in Ukraine and commended the agency’s technical assistance to Ukrainian nuclear facilities. He emphasized continued U.S. hope that diplomatic efforts would help secure peace between Ukraine and Russia.
“As the sides continue pursuing peace, we reiterate our longstanding call for all parties to refrain from taking any actions that could result in a nuclear incident in Ukraine, especially at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP), which remains on the front lines of active combat. Any effort to restart a reactor at the ZNPP while the conflict is ongoing would be dangerous given the grave risks of causing a nuclear incident, particularly considering the condition of the plant, obstacles to regular and expert maintenance, and the status of water and reliable power supply for cooling,” Solomon said.
He reaffirmed U.S. support for IAEA’s technical role in helping Ukraine maintain nuclear safety and security during ongoing conflict, highlighting a three million dollar pledge as part of a larger voluntary contribution totaling ninety-five million dollars.
Solomon described recent damage to ZNPP’s remaining transmission cables as “unacceptable,” noting it forced reliance on emergency diesel generators for a month. He acknowledged Director General Grossi’s diplomatic efforts that enabled temporary ceasefire zones so repairs could restore primary and backup power lines in late October and early November. However, he noted new damage to one line last week underscored continuing risks at ZNPP.
“We also remain highly concerned by the ongoing risks to reliable offsite power at Ukraine’s operating nuclear power plants. Recent strikes on electrical substations and other critical infrastructure have disrupted those plants’ operations. We implore parties to refrain from actions that further imperil nuclear safety,” he stated.
The U.S. also welcomed confirmation that IAEA verification activities continue under difficult conditions according to Ukraine’s Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement and Additional Protocol but expressed concern about access issues at ZNPP due to Russian actions. Solomon called on Russia not to impede mandatory technical work by IAEA inspectors.
“With these remarks, the United States takes note of the Director General’s latest report, GOV/2025/66, on Nuclear Safety, Security, and Safeguards in Ukraine and requests the report be made public,” Solomon concluded.