EU leaders and diplomats intensified their criticism on Wednesday of Russia’s so-called war games at Ukraine’s Zaporizhia nuclear power plant, warning that the drills endanger regional security and demanding immediate disarmament around the site. The message came as Ministers gathered in Prague for an informal meeting, where EU officials stressed that the safety zone around Zaporizhia must be established and kept free of military activity to protect both the facility and nearby communities. The clash between ongoing hostilities in Ukraine and the fragile safety regime of a powered plant sits at the heart of this warning, underscoring the risk of a security incident that could have transboundary consequences in Europe. The European Union reiterated that the plant should not be subjected to any military pressures and called for a full de-escalation of activities in the surrounding area, a stance echoed by many member states who view such provocations as unacceptable threats to nuclear safety and regional stability. The emphasis was on preventing any miscalculation or miscommunication that could escalate quickly, particularly given the plant’s location and the sensitive nature of its operations. The Union also signaled its support for the examination mission led by the International Atomic Energy Agency, with director Rafael Grossi at the helm, to assess the situation on the ground and provide an independent assessment of safety conditions and compliance with international norms. The IAEA team is expected to review access, monitoring, and the status of safety systems at Zaporizhia, offering expert guidance to ensure that measures protecting workers, the public, and the environment are upheld. The EU’s stance reflects a broader international concern about the risks posed by any armed activity near nuclear facilities, and it aligns with calls for renewed cooperation, transparency, and adherence to established safety frameworks amid ongoing tensions in the region. In Prague, diplomats emphasized that nuclear security is not a negotiable matter and urged all parties to refrain from actions that could destabilize a critical asset in Ukraine’s energy infrastructure and the broader European system, underscoring a shared responsibility to prevent a catastrophe that would reverberate far beyond national borders. The discussions also highlighted the importance of continuing robust monitoring, timely reporting, and the engagement of international institutions to build confidence that safety commitments are being met and that any potential threats are addressed promptly and openly. (EU statement of record)
