US joins Russia in opposing condemnation of attacks on Ukraine's energy sector for the first time

The United States has joined Russia, China and Niger in opposing a resolution adopted by the board of governors of the UN nuclear regulator condemning attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure as a threat to nuclear safety.

Source: Reuters

Details: The resolution adopted by the IAEA Board of Governors on Thursday has been the seventh on Ukraine since Russia invaded the neighbouring country four years ago. This is the first time the United States has voted against such a resolution.

"While we continue supporting the IAEA's work in-country, ​we do not support the Board's current consideration of an unnecessary resolution that does not ​help achieve peace between Ukraine and Russia," the US statement to the board before the vote says.

US President Donald Trump has been pressuring Ukraine over the past year to quickly reach a peace deal that could include handing territory to Russia. Ukraine has rejected the possibility of territorial concessions.

Diplomats said the resolution was backed by 20 countries in a closed session, including France, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, South Africa and Argentina, with 10 countries abstaining and four voting against. Those abstaining included Brazil, Egypt, Morocco and Saudi Arabia.

The wording of the document was less harsh than in previous resolutions.

The text seen by Reuters says the board "reemphasises that attacks ​targeting Ukraine's energy infrastructure ​for the off-site power ⁠supply of nuclear power plants, including at the ZNPP (Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant), represent a direct threat to nuclear safety and security".

Background: Russia has damaged more than nine GW of generation capacity at thermal power plants, combined heat and power plants and hydroelectric power plants since October 2025. After the attacks, 3.5 GW have now been partially restored.

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