The United Nations General Assembly has passed a resolution urging Russia to promptly remove its military forces and personnel from Europe’s largest nuclear power plant and restore control of the facility to Ukraine. The resolution also reiterates the assembly’s call for Russia to cease its aggression against Ukraine, withdraw all troops, and uphold Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity.
The resolution received 99 votes in favor, 9 against (from countries including Russia, Belarus, Cuba, and North Korea), with 60 abstentions and 25 countries not voting. Countries like China, India, South Africa, and various Middle Eastern nations opted to abstain.
Concerns about the safety and security of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine have been escalating since Russian forces seized control of the facility in February 2022. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has repeatedly raised alarms about the plant’s operation, especially after confirming multiple attacks against the facility since April 7.
Ukraine’s Ambassador to the U.N., Sergiy Kyslytsya, stressed the crucial need to avert a potential catastrophe at Zaporizhzhia, pointing out the catastrophic consequences of the Chernobyl disaster in 1986. He warned that failure to act decisively against the militarization of the nuclear plant could lead to an inevitable incident.
In response, Russia’s Deputy U.N. Ambassador Dmitry Polyansky accused Ukraine and its Western allies of pushing a resolution that serves political agendas rather than addressing genuine security concerns. Polyansky alleged that Kyiv’s actions pose the only threat to nuclear facilities in Ukraine, contrary to claims made by Western nations.
The resolution underscores the urgency of restoring Ukraine’s control over the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant to ensure its safety and security, allowing the IAEA to carry out necessary safeguards effectively. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely amid ongoing tensions in the region.
