PILPG Ukraine Drafting Notes: Nuclear Security

Nuclear Security

During peace negotiations, Ukraine and Russia may need to address several critical issues related to nuclear security, including:

• Control and Safety of Nuclear Facilities:  Negotiations could focus on the security of Ukraine's nuclear power plants, particularly the Chernobyl and Zaporizhzhia sites, which have been at risk during the war.  There may need to be agreements on demilitarizing these facilities, establishing neutral zones, and ensuring their safety to prevent nuclear accidents.

• International Nuclear Safeguards and Monitoring:  Discussions could include the role of international organizations like the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to monitor and safeguard nuclear materials, ensuring both countries adhere to global nuclear safety and security standards.

• Nuclear Blackmail Prevention and Non-Proliferation:  Negotiations could seek to prevent Russian use of nuclear threats or coercion in exchange for Ukraine’s commitment to nuclear non-proliferation or international security guarantees. 

Control and Safety of Nuclear Facilities

• Establishing Demilitarized Zones around Nuclear Plants:  An agreement could designate specific areas around Ukraine’s nuclear facilities (such as Chernobyl and Zaporizhzhia) as demilitarized zones to prevent further military action and protect against accidental damage.

• Neutral International Monitoring of Nuclear Sites:  An international body (such as the IAEA or a UN-led team) could oversee the safety and security of Ukraine's nuclear facilities, ensuring they are not targeted or used for military purposes.

• Joint Management of Nuclear Sites:  Ukraine and Russia could agree on a joint management and oversight plan for Ukraine’s nuclear power plants, with both sides working together to ensure their security and safety.  The agreement could include the establishment of a joint management committee made up of representatives from both Ukraine and Russia, as well as independent international experts, such as those from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), to provide oversight and ensure compliance with nuclear safety standards.

International Nuclear Safeguards and Monitoring

• Increased Role of IAEA for Ongoing Monitoring:  The peace agreement could assign a central role to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to continuously monitor nuclear materials and ensure compliance with international safety standards.

• Creation of an Independent International Commission:  An independent international commission, composed of neutral parties, could oversee all nuclear facilities in the region to ensure compliance with global security standards and prevent the misuse of nuclear materials.

• Bilateral Oversight and Reporting Mechanism:  Where the nuclear facility falls in a territory controlled by Russia, Ukraine and Russia could agree to a bilateral oversight body responsible for ensuring nuclear safety and transparency, with both parties committing to regular reporting of nuclear activities.

Nuclear Blackmail Prevention and Non-Proliferation

• Mutual Non-Use of Nuclear Threats:  Both Ukraine and Russia could agree to a mutual pledge of non-use of nuclear threats or blackmail, supported by a non-proliferation commitment from Ukraine, ensuring it will not seek nuclear weapons.  International monitoring bodies, such as the IAEA, could verify that Ukraine adheres to its non-nuclear status.  This non-nuclear status would remain in force as long as Russia does not threaten Ukraine’s sovereignty or territorial integrity through the use of nuclear or military force. 

• International Security Guarantees for Non-Nuclear Status:  Ukraine could agree to remain a non-nuclear state in exchange for binding security guarantees from international powers, such as the U.S., EU, to prevent any future nuclear blackmail or threats.  These guarantees would ensure that Ukraine is protected from nuclear coercion, with a clear commitment to defend Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.