Mr Chair,
Norway is aligned with the statement made by the European Union, but I need to make a few remarks in my national capacity.
The intensity of Russia’s disinformation campaign is alarming.
Over the last months Russia has made numerous allegations that Ukraine is planning military operations that involve chemical, biological or radioactive material.
The latest accusation from Russian authorities include undocumented claims that Ukraine is building and preparing to use a dirty bomb based on radioactive substances.
These are all accusations of ruthless acts, which, if they were carried out, would threaten the lives of Ukraine’s own civilian population, and contaminate the environment for generations.
It is quite clear that these claims are nothing but yet another attempt to spread confusion and deflect from Russia’s role as aggressor in the illegal invasion of Ukraine.
We have great confidence in the work of the IAEA, including its transparent safeguards verification activities in Ukraine.
We reject any attempt to use this baseless allegation as a pretext for conflict escalation.
What does in fact represent a serious threat of nuclear contamination, is Russia's reckless actions in and around Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP). The targeting of Ukraine's electricity production and transmission systems must stop. The population must have access to energy when entering late autumn and winter.
Mr. Chair,
Russia’s war against Ukraine is a blatant violation of international law; a violation of the very principles upon which this organisation is built.
Let me reiterate that Norway condemns Russia’s war against Ukraine. Norway will continue to stand with Ukraine, and the Ukrainian people, against this Russian aggression.
We demand Russia to halt fighting, withdraw its troops immediately, and stop causing further death, suffering and destruction.
Thank you.