Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak participated in a thematic conference dedicated to the first point of the Peace Formula: "Radiation and Nuclear Safety." The event was organized by France, co-chair of the working group alongside Ukraine, with additional co-leadership from the Czech Republic, Japan, and Sweden. Representatives from 70 countries and international organizations participated, both in person and online. The Ukrainian delegation included Minister of Energy German Galushchenko, his deputy Roman Andarak, and Advisor to the Head of the President's Office Oleksandr Bevz.
Andriy Yermak emphasized that nuclear and radiation safety has become a political priority due to Russia's large-scale militarization of peaceful nuclear energy during its aggression against Ukraine.
"The seizure of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, the largest in Europe, was an unprecedented violation of international law and nuclear safety regulations. The plant has been turned into a military base, and its personnel work under constant pressure and threats," he stressed.
The Head of the Office of the President noted that Ukraine must regain full control over all its nuclear facilities and ensure their operation according to international standards and IAEA principles.
"In the field of nuclear security, we must force the aggressor state to implement the 'Three Ds' principle: demilitarization, de-occupation, and de-escalation. This is critically important for both Ukraine and the world," Andriy Yermak said.
Energy Minister German Galushchenko highlighted that Russian missiles and drones fly over Ukrainian nuclear power plants, posing the risk of catastrophic consequences.
"Russian shelling of energy infrastructure has impacted nuclear safety. They aim to deprive us of electricity supply and cause a total blackout, which could lead to a nuclear incident. The major issue is that they show no regard for nuclear safety," German Galushchenko stated.
He called on partners to make swift decisions that would force Russia to cease its attacks on Ukraine's energy sector.
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France Jean-Noël Barrot emphasized that the world must ensure the protection of Ukraine’s nuclear infrastructure.
"This requires coordinated international action, unwavering IAEA support, and a clear commitment to hold accountable those who threaten nuclear security. The stakes could not be higher as Russia continues its aggression against Ukraine," he said.
This conference was the fifth in a series held following the first Peace Summit. Each event results in a Joint Communiqué. After conferences on all ten points of the Peace Formula, proposals will be developed for the second Peace Summit.
The text of the Joint Communiqué approved by the participants of this conference can be found at the link below.