Findings

Congress makes the following findings: (1) On February 24, 2022, the Government of the Russian Federation, led by Vladimir Putin, launched an unprovoked, full-scale invasion of Ukraine. (2) Russian forces have illegally occupied the Zaporzhzhia nuclear power plant, the largest nuclear power plant in Europe, and have placed Russian military equipment within the power plant. (3) Officials from the Russian Federations State Atomic Energy Corporation Rosatom have been present at the plant since March 2022 and have requested information on confidential issues regarding the plant’s operations. (4) The International Atomic Energy Association IAEA has stated that the presence of Rosatom officials is a significant safety concern and could lead to technical interference in the plant’s operations, and has found that the power plant has structural damage in places due to shelling caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. (5) The Director General has stated that failing to demilitarize the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant is playing with fire. (6) In May 2023, Russia evacuated citizens from the region around Zaporizhzhia, including personnel who operate the plant, further exacerbating concerns about the plant’s stability and safety.