Presidents Macron and Zelenskyy discuss security of Ukrainian nuclear facilities
Ukraine – Telephone conversation between M. Emmanuel Macron, President of the Republic, and his Ukrainian counterpart – Press release issued by the Presidency of the Republic
Paris, 16 August 2022
President Macron spoke by phone with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on 16 August.
With regard to the situation at the Zaporizhzhia plant, President Macron underscored his concern over the threat posed to the safety and security of Ukrainian nuclear facilities by the presence and actions of Russian armed forces in the context of the war, as fighting continues, and he called for the withdrawal of those troops. He emphasized his support for the International Atomic Energy Agency Director General’s proposal to send a mission to the site as soon as possible, and the two presidents discussed the terms of such a mission.
The two presidents also discussed Ukrainian grain exports, which are vital to global food security. They welcomed the continued implementation of the agreement allowing Ukraine to export grain by sea via the port of Odesa and applauded this morning’s departure of the first humanitarian vessel chartered by the UN, which will transport grain to Africa, where the need is particularly urgent. France is also continuing its support for European efforts to export Ukrainian grain by road and waterways via “solidarity lanes.” In this way, 2.8 million tonnes of grain were exported in July, and the rate continues to increase./.