European Union and 42 countries call on Russia to withdraw its forces from Zaporizhzhia NPP
The EU and 42 countries called on Russia to immediately withdraw its military forces from the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) and all of Ukraine. A joint statement dated August 12, 2022, on the situation at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant was published on Sunday on the website of the EU Delegation to the International Organizations in Vienna.
“We urge the Russian Federation to immediately withdraw its military forces and all other unauthorized personnel from the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, its immediate surroundings, and all of Ukraine so that the operator and the Ukrainian authorities can resume their sovereign responsibilities within Ukraine’s internationally recognized borders and the legitimate operating staff can conduct their duties without outside interference, threat, or unacceptably harsh working conditions. This will also enable the IAEA to carry out its verification pursuant to Ukraine’s safeguards obligations under safe and secure conditions and in a timely manner,” said in the statement.
“We strongly condemn Russia’s use of disinformation to try to justify its illegal actions in Ukraine. The international community will hold Russia accountable for its aggression, and Russia must bear full responsibility for its unlawful actions in Ukraine,” written in the statement.
