"Established in 2016 as a result of the Russian Federation's occupation of Crimea and as an offshoot of the G7-led Global Partnership Against the Spread of Weapons and Materials of Mass Destruction, the ISI convenes likeminded countries of the international donor community to meet Ukraine's most urgent radiological and nuclear security needs. This support has been critical to Ukraine through Russia's occupation of Crimea, and the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. In response to Russia's abhorrent and illegal use of chemical munitions on the battlefield, the ISI expanded its scope in May 2024 to meet Ukraine's immediate needs across the full chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) security spectrum.
"ISI participant countries continue to condemn the Russian Federation's serious breach of international law and of the principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations. We express our deep sympathy and solidarity to the people of Ukraine in their suffering.
"During its full-scale war, Russia's words and actions have posed grave threats to the safety and security of nuclear and other radioactive materials and facilities in Ukraine, with the potential for catastrophic results to its people and the environment. We are outraged by Russia's irresponsible and threatening nuclear rhetoric. Furthermore, Russia's seizure and continued control of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant endangers the safety of millions of people in the surrounding area. We remain committed to continuing to assist Ukraine with strengthening its radiological and nuclear security.
"Additionally, Russia's repeated use of riot control agents (RCAs) as a method of warfare, as well as its use of other chemical munitions against the Armed Forces of Ukraine, is in blatant violation of the Chemical Weapons Convention. We are deeply concerned by reports that the frequency of Russia's chemical attacks against Ukrainian forces is increasing, as is the variety of chemical munitions that Russian forces are using on the battlefield. ISI participant countries condemn in the strongest possible terms Russia's use of chemical agents in Ukraine and are committed to providing the training and equipment needed to protect Ukrainian personnel, and to holding Russia to account.
"To this end, ISI countries reaffirm our full support to Ukraine and are committed to continuing our support for its CBRN safety and security. We are determined to continue and grow our successful cooperation and to assist Ukraine in countering Russia's use and any threats to use CBRN weapons in this war."
The following participant countries of the Ukraine CBRN Information Sharing Initiative (ISI) have endorsed this statement:
Canada, Finland, Italy, Norway, Sweden, Ukraine, United Kingdom, and United States of America
