Prague, Czech Republic – April 15, 2024 – Nuclear safety in war-torn Ukraine dominated discussions at a key international conference held in Prague this week. The meeting, hosted by the Czech Republic, brought together experts and diplomats from over 20 countries, including the US, UK, Canada, and representatives from the European Commission.
A central concern was the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, currently under Russian control. “This illegal occupation creates unacceptable risks,” declared Eduard Hulicius, Czech Deputy Foreign Minister. He emphasized the need for a united international response to prevent such situations from becoming the norm.
Ukrainian Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko expressed gratitude to the Czech Republic for facilitating the talks. He warned that a potential nuclear disaster at Zaporizhzhia could have devastating global consequences, undermining confidence in nuclear energy and hindering the transition to green energy sources.
Participants explored various avenues for ensuring the safety of Ukrainian nuclear facilities amidst the ongoing conflict. A key outcome was the agreement to develop a comprehensive international plan to assist Ukraine, with a focus on the safe restart of the Zaporizhzhia plant.
The conclusions from this critical meeting will inform the upcoming Ukraine Peace Summit scheduled for Switzerland in mid-June.