10/10/2022 (Agence Europe) – On 8 October, EU High Representative Josep Borrell condemned in the “strongest possible terms” the decree of Russian President Vladimir Putin of 5 October on the illegal seizure of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) and the establishment of a government enterprise to that matter. This decree “is illegal, and legally null and void”, he warned. Borrell urged Russia to fully withdraw its military forces and equipment and return control of the nuclear plant to Ukraine. The High Representative explained that an enhanced IAEA presence at the site and unhindered access to the plant were “urgently” needed in the interests of Europe’s security. A nuclear safety and security protection zone should be established immediately. (CG)