Today, on 16 February, Russia deliberately disrupted the rotation of IAEA experts at Zaporizhzhia NPS for the third time in a row. The previous rotations, scheduled for January and February, failed for the same reason - Moscow systematically impedes the access of international observers, using blackmail, provocation and outright threats.

Russia is actually holding IAEA experts by force at the occupied Zaporizhzhia NPS and has extended their stay there for 69 days. This is the longest period without rotation since the mission was deployed to the station. Moscow wants to put international experts in a hopeless situation - either they work under Russian control and keep silent about the real situation, or the station is left without independent international supervision.

This is not just another disruption of the rotation. This is part of the Kremlin's broader strategy to undermine the IAEA's independence, to force the international agency to compromise with the aggressor, and to make it dependent on Moscow's decisions. At the same time, this is another signal to the world: Russia is not a partner in nuclear safety, it is a threat. A country that deliberately attacks civilian nuclear facilities and uses nuclear energy as a tool of blackmail and military pressure cannot be a member of the global nuclear community.

Russia began its full-scale war against Ukraine with the occupation of the Chornobyl nuclear power station, where its troops dug trenches in the radioactive soil of the Yellow Forest. It attacked and continues to hold hostage the Zaporizhzhia NPS, Europe's largest nuclear power station. It has targeted civilian nuclear facilities, such as the Neutron Source in Kharkiv, sent drones to the sarcophagus of Chornobyl's fourth power unit, and subjected ZNPS workers to torture and psychological terror. These are not isolated incidents, but a comprehensive strategy of nuclear blackmail to force the world to bend to the Kremlin's dictates.

We believe that the international community must demonstrate integrity and strength in response to Russian blackmail and threats.

We call on foreign governments to completely cease cooperation with the Russian nuclear sector, given that this country is turning nuclear power stations into military bases, blocking access for international experts, and striking at civilian nuclear infrastructure.  It is time to reconsider relations with a state that turns nuclear energy into an instrument of terror.

We call on the international community to give a tough assessment of Russia's actions and take measures to end its impunity. We need not only statements, but concrete actions to protect the independence of the IAEA and deprive the Kremlin of the ability to use nuclear energy as a weapon.

We remind you that ZNPS must be returned under the control of its rightful owner - Ukraine. Only the withdrawal of Russian troops and personnel will restore nuclear and radiation safety at the plant and prevent incidents that pose a threat not only to Ukraine but to the whole of Europe and the world.