Ukraine – Illegal annexation of the Zaporizhzhia plant (Oct. 6, 2022)

As we have stated previously, we do not and will not recognize Russia’s illegal annexation of four Ukrainian regions – a flagrant violation of international law and the UN Charter. All decisions taken on the basis of these illegal decisions are null and void, including those relating to the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant.

We reaffirm Ukraine’s total sovereignty over the Zaporizhzhia plant and the rest of its territory, and its ownership of the Zaporizhzhia plant.

France is extremely concerned by the risks that Russia’s illegal, irresponsible actions present for the safety and security of the Zaporizhzhia plant, particularly their consequences for the plant’s Ukrainian personnel and their repercussions on the implementation of IAEA guarantees.

We reiterate our full support for the current efforts of the IAEA Director General and the efforts of his agency, whose presence at the Zaporizhzhia site must be stepped up and made permanent, in full respect for Ukrainian sovereignty.