Russian President Vladimir Putin pointed to the excessive and dangerous politicization of the nuclear energy sector globally, asserting the right of all countries to have equal opportunities in the peaceful use of atomic energy. Speaking at a meeting with the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, in St. Petersburg, Putin stated, "We are witnessing today an excessive politicization of everything related to the nuclear energy sector, and we rely on your efforts to help us tone down this rhetoric and normalize this area of our activities and cooperation, despite all the disturbances and complex processes occurring on the world stage."
He also emphasized that Russia has always supported the IAEA and continues to attach great importance to this support. He said, "Russia has been at the forefront of the founding countries of the organization since 1957, and has always supported its work. We actively work within the agency, and today we place great importance on the issues that the agency is dedicated to, and that you personally dedicate your life to as its Director General." He added, "We have always advocated for all countries to have equal opportunities to access and use atomic energy for peaceful purposes, while we uphold a global nuclear non-proliferation regime."
