The EU condemns the Russian decree by which it takes control of the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant

MADRID, 8 Oct. (EUROPA PRESS) -

The High Representative for Foreign Policy of the EU, Josep Borrell, condemned this Saturday the recent decree of the Russian Presidency by which it assumes control and effective ownership of the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant.

"The European Union condemns in the strongest possible terms the decree of Russian President (Vladimir) Putin on the illegal seizure of the Zaporizhia Nuclear Power Plant and the creation of a state company for this purpose," Borrell published in an official statement.

In addition, Brussels has taken the opportunity to recall that it does not recognize and condemn the "illegal annexation of the Ukrainian regions of Donetsk, Lugansk, Zaporizhia and Kherson". "Consequently, the decree on the takeover of the Zaporizhia NPP is illegal, null and void."

Borrell thus summons Russia to withdraw its military forces and material and return the plant to "its legitimate owner, Ukraine" and to comply with "the seven essential pillars for nuclear safety" mentioned by the director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency ( IAEA), Rafael Mariano Grossi.

It also calls for "unimpeded access and the presence of the IAEA" as an "urgently necessary" measure and the creation of a "security protection zone."

Ukraine, Russia, and the IAEA have confirmed this Saturday that the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant has once again been disconnected from the electricity grid after recent night bombings of which both countries have again accused each other. The plant has been under Russian control since the military offensive that began on February 24.